Trucks are a necessary part of our transportation system. They transport goods from one place to another, and they provide jobs for many people. But truck accidents happen all the time, and some of them can be very serious or even fatal. So it’s important that we learn as much as we can about how to stay safe when near a truck on the road. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common causes of truck accidents, and what you can do to minimize your risk if you find yourself in an accident with a big rig.
1) Fatigued Driving
Truck drivers are subject to many of the same laws as other motorists, but because their vehicles are so much larger, they face unique risks. One of these risks is that they often work long hours, sometimes spending over 24 hours behind the wheel without getting much rest. Fatigue can be a major cause of truck accidents, and one way to help stay safe is to never drive behind a truck if you can. However, if you ever find yourself in an accident, it’s important that you know what to do. One of the first steps is to call a New Jersey truck accident attorney or attorney in any other state you find yourself in. An attorney will be able to get you compensation for your injuries.
2) Speeding
It goes without saying that speeding is one of the most common causes of accidents, but when they involve trucks, these accidents can be even more dangerous than usual. The faster you are moving when you hit something, the more damage it will do to your car and yourself. It is very easy for a truck driver to be speeding even if they are not over the speed limit. Trucks can be very hard to control when they are moving at high speeds, and stopping them takes much longer than normal. So it’s best to avoid speeding around trucks whenever possible, especially if you know the trucker is speeding.
3) Driving Distracted
A very dangerous common cause of truck accidents is driving distracted. Like we mentioned before, trucks are big and it’s not as easy as you might think to move them or see what’s around them. While cell phones have been a source of distracted driving for cars, there are even more distractions for those who drive trucks. For example, it is standard practice for a trucker to have loads of papers at their disposal. These can include maps, directions, forms, etc. While these are sometimes necessary, it’s important that the driver not let them distract them from safe driving.
4) Bad Weather Conditions
Bad weather conditions can be a dangerous part of driving, and this is especially true for those who drive trucks. It’s important that whenever you are driving in bad weather do so as safely as possible, and avoid passing trucks if at all possible. Truck drivers often have much larger vehicles to manage than you, and they can be much harder to control when the weather is bad. So whenever you are driving in a storm or other type of inclement weather, make sure that you give trucks room to work with and don’t try to pass them even if they might be going slower than usual.
5) Overloading Cargo
Overloading cargo is a common issue for truck drivers. Often it is the result of a mistake, but even if it’s not, it can be dangerous for everyone else on the road. One way you might know that cargo was overloaded is that it might not seem to fit properly. Cargoes should be close together and packed tight, but if you notice spaces in the cargo area, this could cause problems. If a truck loses its cargo while driving down the road, it can become very unpredictable and even dangerous. If you ever see a truck with overloading cargo or other issues, the best way to avoid an accident is to give it room and stay away from it.
6) Driving Under Influence
Driving while under the influence is a common issue for truck drivers, but not in a way you might think. While alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden for truckers, many narcotics are not. This can cause serious problems for not only the truckers themselves but also everyone else on the roads. If a trucker is under the influence and gets in an accident, it can cause serious and permanent damage to other drivers and even in some cases lead to death.
Truck accidents can be very dangerous, and their causes are often preventable. By following the safety tips we’ve outlined in this article, you can help keep yourself and those around you safe on the road. Remember to always give trucks plenty of room when driving, avoid passing them if possible, and never drive under the influence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal assistance!
