Common Truck Accidents and How to Avoid Them

Due to their large nature, trucks are harder to drive than most vehicles. Whether you’re driving a truck or are driving alongside one, you need to be well-aware of the situation as all it takes is a minor error to cause a serious accident.

As per recent statistics, over 4,900 people lost their lives to large-truck crashes in 2018 alone. The sad thing is that the number is consistently increasing per year which is why it’s important that you know more about the common truck accidents so you can avoid them.

Driver Fatigue

This is one of the most common forms of truck accidents. Truck drivers have routes that see them driving from morning till night. Even if they do take rests in between, they are going to be tired eventually. Whether it’s due to lack of sleep or to just physical strain from hours of driving, it is one of the top reasons why truck drivers get in accidents.

It’s not just truck drivers though. Even regular drivers are more prone to accidents if they drive while fatigued. In most cases, truck drivers drift into sleep while driving, only wake up when it’s already too late. Fatigue also causes a person to have poor coordination and concentration which is always bad for the road.

It’s fairly easy to avoid accidents from driver fatigue. That is simply not to overexert yourself on the road. Whenever you feel tired, pull-over in a parking spot or near a gas station to get some shuteye. It’s much better to be late on your deliveries rather than to get into an accident. See here for more information on truck accident lawyers.

Driving Under The Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a serious criminal offense. When you get in a semi truck accidents might happen. If one occurs, even a minor, you’ll be inspected by the authorities. You’ll be given a series of tests to check if you have high alcohol levels. Getting caught leads to you being put in jail and getting your license revoked.

It is never advisable to drive under the influence as you are putting yourself and those around you in danger. Trucks are large vehicles that can cause serious damage to property and even fatal injuries to people. Stay safe on the road by making sure that you are 100% sober before you drive your truck.

Driver Inattentiveness

Getting distracted while driving is a bad idea. Even more so for trucks where you need to be aware of everything that’s in front and on your sides.

Common sources of distraction when it comes to driving are smartphones and other gadgets that drivers use on the road. Some of them use these gadgets for leisure purposes but there are also those that use them for taking important calls, as well as for GPS purposes.

It’s imperative that you keep your eyes on the road at all times. If you really need to take a call, you need to pull over first lest you want to put yourself at risk.

Slippery Roads And Bad Weather Condition

Trucks are heavy-duty vehicles but seeing as they are large, these vehicles suffer in terms of maneuverability. It takes a lot of practice to learn how to drive a truck efficiently. One of the first things you’ll learn is that it’s a must that you drive slow and steady in poor weather and road conditions.

Slippery roads caused by rain or ice are another leading cause of truck accidents. Aside from driving properly, it is also imperative that you check your wheels and brake system before you take it to the road.

Your wheels need to be in good condition so that they have better traction on the road. If you have your doubts about your truck’s wheels and brake system, make sure to have it checked at a gas station first.

Road Unfamiliarity

Some jobs will take you to roads that you are unfamiliar with. This is a fairly common situation that truck drivers get themselves into but it’s easy to go on safe trips despite the circumstances.

Know ahead of the trip what your route will be. Do your research not just on the road you’ll have to travel, but also on the present conditions of the roads. Look specifically for any road closures that could derail you from your planned route.

Road safety when driving a truck or any vehicle. The best way to avoid these accidents is by becoming a careful and prepared driver at all times. It’s not just your life on the line after all.