One of the main reasons for truck accidents is driver fatigue. When drivers drive too many hours at a time, the chances of them getting tired and fatigued become higher. This can cause them to make mistakes or even lose control of their vehicle. It can also lead to dangerous driving behaviors like speeding, tailgating, and reckless driving. In addition, fatigue can lead to a number of other health risks, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.
So, are truck drivers always at fault?
Accidents caused by unsafe driving practices
Unsafe driving practices by truck drivers are one of the most common causes of truck accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has studied the causes of these types of crashes. In addition to these causes, there are other factors that could cause a crash.
One of the most common unsafe driving practices by truck drivers is speeding. Truckers may be tempted to speed up to make up time, or to make quick progress. However, trucks can’t stop as quickly as cars. Often, they will swerve in an effort to avoid a collision.
Another unsafe driving practice by truck drivers is distracted driving. Distracted drivers can look at their phone, reach down to grab something, or talk on the radio. While this may seem like a harmless thing to do, it can put other drivers at risk.
Fatigue
Getting in a truck accident is an unpleasant experience. There are many factors that can lead to an accident, and determining the cause can be complex. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
A recent study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revealed that driver fatigue played a role in 13 percent of fatal crashes. In addition, the FMCSA discovered that a driver’s alertness level was more closely related to the time of day.
Fatigue is a serious danger to the public. It is caused by inadequate sleep and mental exertion. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to prevent it. The FMCSA has created guidelines that are designed to reduce the incidence of trucker fatigue.
Impatience
Impatience is a serious problem on the roads. It can be a deadly combination of speeding, tailgating, and road rage. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that impatient drivers are more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors such as failure to yield, illegal lane changes, and running red lights.
The best way to deal with an impatient driver is to be alert and proactive. This is especially important when driving through construction zones. These can be a hazardous area, as there are many hazards to be aware of.
Speeding is one of the most common causes of accidents in Virginia. In fact, almost 24,000 accidents occurred in the past year alone.
Substance use
Many truckers use drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with their job and the stressful environment. But their actions can put their colleagues and the motoring public at risk.
Some drivers have admitted that they drink and drive, while others have been caught using prescription medications. Trucking companies must help their drivers get the treatment they need to overcome substance abuse.
Drivers are more likely to have accidents when they have a history of drug and alcohol abuse. Prescription drugs can be more dangerous than alcohol when combined with heavy equipment.
In addition, lack of normal sleep patterns can impact driver’s mental health. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines can change perceptions. They can also cause agitation and hallucinations.
Vehicle defect
Many people mistakenly believe that truck drivers are always at fault for vehicle defects, but this is not necessarily the case. In fact, there are several factors that may be involved, including driver and vehicle maintenance, traffic laws, and weather conditions.
The most obvious example is an accident that is caused by a defective part. For instance, a tire blowout can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle.
Other causes of vehicle defects include poor quality materials and inaccurate machinery. Some defects only affect a few vehicles, while others can impact the entire product line.
One example is a seatbelt that fails to function on impact. A second is an airbag that deploys in the event of a crash.
Duty of care for other drivers
A driver with a commercial driving license has to adhere to a number of rules and regulations. Among these is a duty of care owed to other road users. This entails keeping yourself and your passengers safe in the event of an accident.
There are several reasons that truck drivers are held to a higher standard of courtesy. One reason is the sheer size and weight of a tractor trailer. It takes more time and effort for a big rig to stop than it does for a small passenger vehicle. The other is that these drivers are required to wear a commercial driving license.