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Trucking is one of the most dangerous industries in America, for numerous reasons. Every year, approximately 4,000 people die in large truck accidents; 17 percent of which are truck occupants, 66 percent are drivers and passengers of cars, and 16 percent are pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists. The majority of large truck accidents are preventable, often caused by driver distraction or other avoidable mistakes. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), around 500,000 accidents each year involve trucks. Truck drivers have the responsibility to follow safe driving habits, maintain their vehicle, and rest when fatigued, but unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that more than one in five of all fatal truck accidents occur as the result of a trucker driving over the speed limit. Another common cause of large truck accidents is drivers failing to slow down because of the weather. Speeding accidents are incredibly dangerous – and often fatal – when large trucks are involved because of the sheer size and volume of these vehicles. Depending on the load the truck is carrying, speed and high winds could make for a dangerous combination.
If you’ve been involved in a large truck accident, the first step is to determine who was at fault and what the cause of the accident was. The most common causes of accidents involving tractor trailers include:
● Inclement weather conditions
● Defective equipment
● Driver fatigue
● Improperly loaded cargo
● Inexperienced drivers
● Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
● Poor road conditions
● Failure to properly maintain the truck
● Reckless driving
● Driver distraction
Safety Tips for Avoiding Truck Accidents
Now that we’ve looked at some of the most common causes of truck accidents, let’s look at what you can do to avoid them. Accidents involving large trucks and passenger vehicles can be avoided by following these important safety tips:
● Remain at a safe distance when following trucks
● Give large trucks at least four to six seconds of space in wet or snowy conditions and when traveling on the highway
● Pay attention to a truck’s turn signal before passing
● Avoid blind spots by always ensuring you can see the truck’s mirrors
● Be alert whenever approaching a truck
● Never cut off a large truck
● Report any unsafe driving
● Make sure the entire cab of the truck is in your rearview mirror when passing
These tips should help you avoid truck accidents and reduce the number of collisions that take place on Brownsville highways. If you have been involved in an accident with a large truck and it was not your fault, please call Green Law today and schedule a free consultation. Our Brownsville truck accident attorneys are here to answer any questions you may have and will advise you on how to proceed from here.
