Trucks play a vital role in our everyday lives. We depend on them for a variety of commercial purposes of tractor-trailer accidents, such as delivering our goods and products to the store, helping us move houses, or delivering our large furniture right to our doorstep.
However, these large tractor-trailers pose their dangers and have been reported to be involved in numerous accidents. One can imagine how devastating and life-changing an accident involving an 80,000-pound vehicle can be. There have been cases of damage to properties, serious injuries, and fatalities related to tractor-trailer accidents.
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Factors Contributing to Tractor-Trailer Accidents
By understanding the common causes of tractor-trailer accidents, we can ensure more safety on the road and prevent such events. Here are some of the causes of tractor-trailer accidents you should know about.
1. Driver Fatigue
One of the leading causes of tractor-trailer accidents is driver fatigue. Working or focusing on one thing for long hours leaves anyone tired. Therefore, it is only natural that these commercial truck drivers, who are required to drive across the country, feel exhausted.
This often leads to reduced reaction times and poor judgment, resulting in accidents. Although federal regulations limit the number of hours truck drivers can be on the road, some employers still violate these rules.
2. Distracted Driving
Staying away from phones has become increasingly complex in this digital era. People spend most of their time online to stay updated with what’s happening around them. This addiction to phones has become one of the major causes of accidents caused by distracted driving. Sometimes, truck drivers also tend to get distracted.
Additionally, as they travel long distances, they tend to eat while on the go, adjust the radio, and so on. But it takes just a few seconds of distraction for a major accident to occur.
3. Impaired Driving
Despite the numerous warnings given, people still tend to put the lives of others and themselves at risk by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common causes of accidents nationwide.
4. Speeding
Many truck drivers are given a time limit by their employers to reach a destination; failing to do so may lead them to face consequences. So, to avoid such situations, truck drivers are forced to speed.
However, these large vehicles require a considerable distance for braking and may not be able to stop suddenly. Increasing the speed of such heavy vehicles also increases the chances of the driver losing control of the truck.
5. Overloading the Truck
Loading a truck is a task that requires precise calculation. The way the vehicle is loaded directly impacts how it behaves on the road. Overloading the truck or uneven distribution may cause the truck to roll over, especially in turns or on hilly terrain. This not only causes damage to the truck driver but also to the vehicles following the truck.
6. Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failures are another major cause of tractor-trailer accidents. The truck drivers may fail to realize any faulty parts before taking the truck onto the road. Some common issues that trucks face include brake failures and tire punctures. Therefore, to prevent such incidents, proper maintenance of the truck is crucial.
7. Environmental and Road Conditions
Lastly, we should recognize that it is not only man-made faults that lead to truck accidents, but also environmental and road conditions. Rainy or snowy weather can significantly impair a driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of accidents. Some roads may have potholes, which may cause the driver to lose control. By understanding these common causes, we can take more precautions and reduce such events in the future.
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