Driving a commercial truck requires utmost patience, and the driver must possess the necessary skills required to maneuver the truck. Unfortunately, despite all the measures put in place, accidents involving trucks remain common on U.S. roads.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, close to 5,000 trucks and buses got involved in road accidents in the year 2017 alone. Regrettably, the numbers are set to rise in the subsequent years if motorists do not pay attention to safety measures.
So, what are the common causes of truck accidents?
Poor judgment
Sometimes poor judgment on the driver’s part may cause a truck accident. For instance, this may occur when a driver of a smaller vehicle fails to accelerate when pulling into traffic, forcing a truck to skid or break abruptly. Truck drivers should be alert all the time to avoid such kinds of truck accidents.
Driver error
Reckless driving and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are other common causes of truck accidents. Some drivers tend to change lanes abruptly or overtake without looking, leading to accidents.
Inadequate training
Truck drivers need proper training before sitting behind the wheel. The training curriculum should include subjects such as defensive driving, emergency braking, changing lanes, driving in adverse weather, vehicle inspection procedures and steps to take in case they notice a defect.
Impracticable schedules
Employers may be the culprits when it comes to issuing impracticable schedules. As a result, many drivers may choose to speed or work for long hours in order to meet tight timelines. This may cause fatigue and poor judgment, which are major contributors to motor vehicle collisions.
Harsh weather conditions
Harsh weather conditions such as heavy downpour, fog and snow may contribute to road accidents due to poor visibility. Therefore, drivers must be alert and sure of what they are doing when driving under such weather conditions.
