Semi-trucks, also known as tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers, are enormous vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when at full capacity, making them significantly larger than the average passenger vehicle. When an 18-wheeler collides with a regular vehicle, the fallout is catastrophic and often leads to fatalities. These horrific accidents are often avoidable with a little more care on the road, so let’s take a look at the most common causes and how to prevent them.
Driver Fatigue
Data collected by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is responsible for laying down regulations for commercial trucking, suggests that driver fatigue accounts for 13% of all accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks.
When a truck driver is fatigued, it impairs their judgment and reaction times, which can lead to improper maneuvers and accidents. Most truckers experience fatigue because of the high demands of the job, which involves long hours on the road both at night and in the early morning. To cope, many truck drivers take prescription medications, which can still be in the system when they hit the road.
The FMCSA has set strict working hour regulations in an attempt to get the issue under control, but many trucking companies act with disregard for the rules – often at the cost of someone else’s life.
Reckless Driving
To reach their destinations on time, many 18-wheeler drivers act recklessly, which may include tailgating, speeding, or making illegal lane changes. These actions put other road users at risk, and it’s usually them that come off the worse following a collision. According to the FMCSA, reckless driving accounts for 25% of all truck accidents, and it also increases the chance of fatalities.
Truck drivers can avoid reckless driving by taking necessary measures before and during their journeys. For example, planning ahead and checking for potential delays will help stick to schedule, which will reduce the need for speeding and other reckless actions.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents, and it’s not just truck drivers who are guilty. Distracted driving involves any action that diverts attention away from the road, including:
- Using a phone.
- Eating or drinking.
- Adjusting dashboard controls.
- Daydreaming.
- Talking to passengers.
When truck drivers are distracted, they’re more likely to run red lights and drift out of their lane, which can send them plowing through traffic, leaving nothing but chaos behind. Statistics collected by the FMCSA note that distracted driving makes up around 25% of all truck accidents.
Truck drivers can avoid distracted driving by using hands-free communication devices to stay connected with their hub, setting GPS systems before leaving, and adjusting other controls when the vehicle is at a stop and it’s safe to do so.
Improper Cargo Loading
The truck driver isn’t always directly responsible for 18-wheeler accidents, especially if improper cargo loading is to blame. When cargo isn’t loaded properly, it can cause to truck to become unstable and roll over. Issues with loading the truck include overloading, uneven weight distribution, using defective equipment, and failing to secure cargo.
Cargo loaders can avoid causing accidents by having a firm grasp on the weight of the truck. As well as this, equipment used to secure logos should be inspected regularly, and any defects reported and repaired straight away.
Even though truck drivers don’t always load their vehicles, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be aware of what they’re transporting. As such, truck drivers can visually inspect the cargo hold to see if there are any inaccuracies.
Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions including snow, rain, ice, and fog can make it difficult for 18-wheeler drivers to remain in control. Unfortunately, this can result in devastating accidents, especially when drivers aren’t taking necessary precautions like slowing down.
Truck drivers can reduce the chances of causing a catastrophic crash by increasing stopping distances, driving slower, using appropriate headlights, and being tuned into surrounding hazards. As well as this, they should have the common sense to pull over when conditions become too volatile. After all, it’s better to arrive later than never.
Improper Maintenance
Commercial trucking companies have a responsibility to keep their drivers and other motorists safe, and part of fulfilling that involves regular maintenance. This includes keeping up with oil changes, checking tires, and having equipment assessed by experts. If a truck isn’t maintained properly, it can lead to complications on the road. Common crash-causing maintenance issues include:
- Failing to replace filters and oil.
- Neglecting to repair tires and breaks.
- Using substandard or defective parts.
- Failing to replace damaged parts.
Maintenance issues can be prevented by putting strict processes in place including schedules, documentation, reporting, and taking trucks off the roads until issues are sorted. Even though commercial truck business leaders hold more responsibility, truck drivers also need to conduct maintenance and observations while out on the road.
Road Defects
The condition of the road plays a vital role in keeping all road users safe. Defects running from potholes to uneven surfaces can cause 18-wheelers to lose control. This can lead to serious accidents, especially if the truck driver hasn’t noticed the defect or doesn’t take necessary precautions.
Having awareness of the road and acting appropriately in the face of hazards is an essential part of being a successful trucker. Actions you can take include slowing down, increasing stopping distances, reporting road defects to proper authorities, and being prepared for any sudden changes to the road.
Your Legal Rights Following a Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you’re entitled to claim compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, property damage, pain and suffering, and any other relevant damages. To do so, you will need to collect evidence at the scene, report the incident to the police, receive medical attention, and get in touch with our team for a free consultation.
Accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks can be truly devastating because of their sheer size. To recover the costs associated with recovery and getting by following an accident, get in touch with Karns & Karns Truck Accident Attorneys. We have offices in California, Texas & Nevada.
