The number of truck accidents continues to surge in the US despite numerous laws and regulations designed to minimize these accidents. Not surprisingly, driver error lurks behind the majority of these crashes. As reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes rose by 3 percent – from 4,074 in 2015 to 4,213 in 2016. In Illinois, some 149 large trucks in fatal accidents occurred and resulted in 146 casualties, for the same year. There were 105 truck accidents and 103 victims reported in 2015.
Driver Error Causing Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks are 20 times heavier than cars. Even the smallest collision can be highly dangerous. During a collision, the smaller car sustains the most damage and its occupants are more likely to be injured or killed than the truck driver.
- Trucks are unsafe due to rollovers from wind gusts, hard cornering, and swerving.
- Trucks create blind spots on all sides, and their length requires wide swings that may catch motorists off guard.
A majority of truck drivers on the roads, highways, and interstates are skilled professionals. Sadly, some ignore traffic safety rules and drive irresponsibly. Even a well-trained driver with a split-second attention lapse may cause a crash.
What, then, is the major cause of truck crashes?
Results from the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey reveal that “87% of large truck accident critical reason accidents are attributed to human error or bad decision.” Specifically, these driver errors include the following:
- Driver-recognition. The driver is inattentive, distracted, or failed to adequately observe a situation.
- Driver-decision. The driver makes a poor decision, such as driving too fast or misjudging distance.
- Driver-performance. The driver overcompensates or exercises poor directional control.
The Federal Highway Administration states the top 10 driver errors are as follows:
- Failure to stop for a stop sign or signal;
- Unsafe crossing, primarily crossing traffic with insufficient headway;
- Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs;
- Driving left of center or into opposing traffic;
- Unsafe speed (14%);
- Unsafe passing, primarily passing with insufficient headway;
- Crossing a lane line near the side of a truck or trailer while passing;
- Unsafe turning, primarily turning with insufficient headway;
- Nearly striking an unattended or parked truck the roadside; and
- Nearly striking the rear of a truck or trailer that is stopped or moving slowly in traffic.
Truck accidents are also caused by the following factors:
- Not securing truckload properly;
- Not checking brakes, tires, and lights;
- Not observing prescribed load weight violations;
- Not taking adequate rest breaks;
- Distracted driving; and
- Unsafe driving in adverse weather conditions.
Can truck drivers lessen or avoid these driving errors? Yes, of course. They need to consistently use their defensive driving skills. They need to be totally aware of their surroundings and to drive safely at all times. After all, their lives, as well as the lives of other people, are in their hands. Hopefully, developments in safe driving technology can also save more lives.
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer for a free consultation. Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people and not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
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