Truck accidents are one of the leading causes of death on America’s highways.
In 2016, there were 4,213 people killed in large truck crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That’s an increase of 5.4 percent from the year before.
Most of the people killed in large truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles, not the trucks themselves.
In 2016, 72 percent of the people killed in large truck crashes were occupants of cars or other passenger vehicles.
Truck drivers themselves are also at risk. In 2016, 885 large truck occupants were killed in crashes, a decrease of 4.4 percent from 2015.
There are a number of factors that contribute to large truck crashes, but one of the leading causes is driver fatigue.
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According to the NHTSA, “Driver fatigue is a significant factor in a large number of highway crashes, particularly those involving large trucks.”
The NHTSA estimates that fatigue is a factor in about 13 percent of all large truck crashes.
Driver fatigue can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Driving for long periods of time without a break
- Working long hours
- Driving at night
- Driving in heavy traffic
- Taking medications that cause drowsiness
- Suffering from a sleep disorder
Fatigued driving is dangerous because it can lead to a number of problems, including:
- slowed reaction time
- impaired judgment
- difficulty paying attention
- falling asleep at the wheel
In order to prevent large truck crashes, the NHTSA recommends that truck drivers:
- Get adequate rest before driving
- Take breaks every two hours or 100 miles
- Travel during daylight hours when possible
- Drive at a time when they are normally awake
- Avoid driving for more than 8 hours in a 24-hour period
In addition to driver fatigue, there are a number of other factors that can contribute to large truck crashes, including:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Inexperience
- Poorly maintained trucks
- Poorly maintained roads
If you or someone you love has been involved in a large truck crash, it’s important to contact an experienced attorney who can help you protect your rights.
Forcefully Comply Traffic According to Laws
Truck drivers are always in a hurry to reach their destination so that they can unload the cargo and get back on the road.
This often leads to them speeding and not following the traffic rules. This is extremely dangerous as it can lead to accidents.
In order to prevent accidents, it is important for truck drivers to comply with the traffic laws. Some of the traffic laws that truck drivers should follow are:
- Maintaining a safe following distance: truck drivers should maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of them. This will give them enough time to react in case the vehicle in front of them brakes suddenly.
- Obeying the speed limit: truck drivers should always obey the posted speed limit. Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents.
- Yielding the right of way: truck drivers should always yield the right of way to other vehicles. This includes yielding at stop signs and yield signs.
- Using turn signals: truck drivers should always use their turn signals when they are turning. This will let other drivers know what they are doing so that they can be prepared.
- Checking blind spots: truck drivers should always check their blind spots before changing lanes. This will help to prevent accidents.
- Being aware of weather conditions: truck drivers should always be aware of the weather conditions. If the weather is bad, they should slow down and be extra careful.
Following these traffic laws will help to prevent accidents. Truck drivers should always put safety first.
Hours of Service Limitations
Truck drivers are required to follow hours of service limitations. These limitations are in place to prevent truck drivers from driving while fatigued.
The hours of service limitations are:
- Drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours in a day.
- Drivers can drive a maximum of 14 hours in a day if they take a 30-minute break.
- Drivers can drive a maximum of 60 hours in a 7-day period.
- Drivers can drive a maximum of 70 hours in an 8-day period.
- Drivers must take a 34-hour break after driving for 70 hours in an 8-day period.
These hours of service limitations are in place to help prevent accidents. Truck drivers should always comply with these limitations.
Inspection and Maintenance
Trucks must be regularly inspected and maintained. This is to ensure that they are safe to drive.
Some of the things that are checked during an inspection are:
- Tires: the tires should be in good condition with plenty of tread.
- Brakes: the brakes should be in good condition and not worn down.
- Lights: all of the lights should be in working order.
- Mirrors: the mirrors should be in good condition and not cracked.
- Steering: the steering should be in good condition and not loose.
- Suspension: the suspension should be in good condition and not worn out.
If any of these things are not in good condition, the truck should not be driven. It should be repaired before it is driven again.
Truck drivers should also make sure that their trucks are regularly maintained. This includes things like changing the oil and checking the fluids.
If a truck is not properly maintained, it can lead to accidents. This is why it is so important for truck drivers to make sure that their trucks are properly maintained.
Driving Under the Influence
Truck drivers should never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is because it can impair their ability to drive.
There are a number of ways to test for drugs and alcohol. Some of these tests are:
- Blood test: this test can detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in the blood.
- Breath test: this test can detect the presence of alcohol in the breath.
- Urine test: this test can detect the presence of drugs in the urine.
If a truck driver is found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will be subject to penalties. These penalties can include:
- License suspension
- Fines
- Jail time
Truck drivers should always avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is the best way to prevent accidents.