Each year sees hundreds of thousands of accidents involving semi-trucks. The number of deaths resulting from those accidents is also pretty alarming. On most occasions, the ones who die are people traveling in passenger cars. These cars are usually not equipped enough for withstanding collisions with vehicles several times heavier and stronger than them.
According to numbers obtained recently, around 5,000 individuals die in wrecks involving semi trucks every year. Out of the ones dying, only around 700 are semi-truck passengers. Read on to get acquainted with the most common causes of these accidents.
1. Driver Fatigue
Experts believe that driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents involving motor vehicles. The chances of getting fatigued are significantly higher for truck drivers. That’s because these professionals often need to drive continuously for several days.
Truck drivers usually receive payment according to the number of miles they cover. This forces them to drive fast for covering more miles in shorter time spans. They don’t take breaks and avoid sleeping, which leads to severe fatigue.
2. Improper Maintenance
The federal laws require semi-truck owners to take proper care of their vehicles. That’s because lack of maintenance often results in wear and tear of vehicle parts that can result in serious road accidents. Accidents may occur due to faulty braking systems, worn-out tires, unsafe trailers, malfunctioning engines, and so on.
If the semi-trucks undergo thorough checking and maintenance regularly, the chances of accidents resulting from the above reasons will become negligible. Additionally, semi-truck drivers should also carry out brake checks prior to each trip.
3. Inexperienced Driver
Many semi-truck accidents take place because of inadequately trained or inexperienced drivers. Top trucking companies ensure that the drivers they are hiring have required training for maneuvering heavy-duty vehicles. At times, they also pay for their drivers’ trucking courses. However, just learning the art of driving is not enough. Drivers must have the experience of driving large vehicles such as semi-trucks.
Trucking companies often hire drivers even if they don’t have enough experience in semi-truck driving. They do so to save money. Inexperienced drivers tend to charge less per mile compared to experienced ones.
4. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another common cause of these accidents. A driver whose hands, concentration, and/or vision are not on the road in front of him when driving, is a distracted driver. The most common factor leading to distracted driving is the cell phone. However, that’s not the only cause. The other common triggers of distraction are drinking, eating, conversations with co-passengers, too much focus on the GPS system, etc.
5. Improper Loading
Accidents also occur due to improper loading of cargo. This happens when inexperienced or negligent packers take up the job. Improper loading can make maneuvering the trucks difficult and can also cause jack-knifing.
Final Words
If you are involved in a semi-truck accident and it’s not your fault, you deserve compensation for the damages caused to you and your vehicle. A top lawyer practicing in your area can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
