Road accidents are becoming a growing concern for the US and they’re definitely becoming a problem that needs to be addressed. These road accidents have different types of consequences, ranging from minor property damage to fatalities and injured parties.
Apart from car accidents that remain the most frequent, there is also a rising threat of semi-truck and large truck accidents. The number of truck drivers has increased significantly in the last couple of years as the trucking industry continues to provide job opportunities for the unemployed.
These jobs, although one might argue that they pay well, also come with a number of downsides; the long shifts and sedentary lifestyle being just some of them.
Given the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, accidents involving semi-trucks can be catastrophic, affecting not only those directly involved but also causing disruptions to traffic and commerce. Understanding the leading causes of these accidents is crucial for preventing and ensuring safer roadways for all drivers.
In the paragraphs below, we’ll list some of the main causes of semi-truck accidents to help you keep an eye out for these potential dangers.
Traffic accidents and their frequency in the US
When speaking about a region as large as the US, it’s highly likely that traffic accidents will take place on a daily basis. Just turning on the news and hearing the latest updates is evidence enough as you’ll hardly be able to find a channel that doesn’t mention a fatal collision that took place during rush hour.
Putting things into perspective
In 2021, approximately 44 000 people died as a result of a motor vehicle accident. If we’re talking about truck accidents specifically, there’s been a significant increase in the number of fatalities caused by truck accidents – more specifically a total of 5,837.
Although not as nearly as frequent as car accidents, we mustn’t forget that these semi-truck and truck accidents are much more dangerous and cause irreparable damage. Especially if there are third parties involved.
Why do semi-truck accidents happen?
What are some of the main causes of semi-truck accidents? Is it human error or outside factors? Often, the causes of a semi-truck accident are no different than the causes of a typical car accident you see in the streets.
And, as with most accidents, human error is a big contributing factor. But it’s not the only one, as sometimes other parties can also be found at fault.
We’ll provide a bit more insight on that in the next paragraphs.
Driver fatigue
Driver fatigue is one of the most prevalent causes of semi-truck accidents. Long hours on the road, tight delivery schedules, and inadequate rest periods contribute to drowsy driving. Despite regulations that many states across the US have limiting driving hours, some drivers exceed these limits due to pressure from employers or financial incentives, increasing the risk of accidents.
If an accident was caused by the unrealistic deadlines set by the trucking company, the truck driver has every right to seek help from a semi-truck accident lawyer to explain their case and get the trucking company to take full responsibility.
It’s much easier to get a fair settlement in these cases once you have some legal counsel on your side to guide you through the process. It also helps with the insurance company negotiations, as the representatives of these companies can sometimes be a bit too aggressive.
Distracted Driving
Today, we encounter numerous distractions when driving. And these distractions are usually our fault. Distractions such as using mobile phones, adjusting navigation systems, or eating while driving can divert a semi- truck driver’s attention from the road.
Given the complexity of operating a large vehicle, even a momentary lapse in focus can lead to devastating consequences. If you’re not keeping your eyes on the road at all times, it can definitely hinder you in not seeing the threat straight on.
That’s why it’s best to put your mobile phone and other gadgets out of your reach so you don’t get distracted by any incoming phone calls or messages. Or simply have them turned off at all times.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Driving a semi-truck in rain, snow, or fog requires additional skill and caution. Slippery roads and reduced visibility increase the risk of losing control, especially if drivers fail to adjust their speed or driving habits according to the weather conditions.
If possible, it’s always advisable to avoid driving in such unpredictable weather conditions but unfortunately truck drivers often don’t get the luxury of choice. If you already have to drive in such conditions, make sure to stick to the speed limit and turn on the fog headlights for better visibility.
Reckless driving
Speeding is a big problem for drivers in general. In 2022, 29% of all traffic fatalities happened as a result of speeding. That’s why speeding is a significant factor in many semi-truck accidents.
Due to their massive size, semi-trucks require longer stopping distances, and excessive speed can make it difficult for drivers to react in time to avoid collisions. Reckless behaviors such as aggressive lane changes or tailgating also contribute to accidents.
Most semi-truck drivers tend to drive over the speed limit when met with tight deadlines and when they want to cut the time short. However, it’s definitely an unsafe practice to adopt and the rules and fees should be much more strict in this regard.
The final word
As you can see, the most common causes for semi-truck accidents aren’t that different from the causes of traffic accidents in general. Human error still plays a major role in these accidents and factors such as distracted and reckless driving as well as fatigue can definitely increase the risk of semi-truck accidents taking place.
The only difference is that a semi-truck accident leaves much more consequences and causes a lot more damage than a typical motor vehicle accident. That’s why drivers need to be extra careful and keep their attention on the road at all times.
