Truck Accident Statistics
Trucking accidents are, unfortunately, all too common. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), fatal accidents involving large trucks have increased by 2% since 2018 and 43% since 2010. Furthermore, the NSC reports that in 2019 large truck accidents that involved injuries increased by 5% since 2018. Ultimately, the NSC’s findings indicated that while large trucks accounted for only 4% of registered vehicles in the US, they were overrepresented in fatality accidents at 10%.
These statistics are troubling, indeed. So, why are all of these accidents happening?
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
There is no simple answer as to why the rate of accidents involving large trucks has increased so dramatically. The truth is that many different circumstances can lead to a trucking accident, and not all of these circumstances are the fault of the truck driver or the driver of the other vehicle.
Many circumstances can lead to a trucking accident; some of the most common causes are:
- Bad weather
- Hazardous road conditions
- Faulty or defective truck parts
- Malfunctioning equipment
- An overtired driver
- Speeding or reckless driving
- A truck that is overloaded or improperly loaded
Truck accidents may also result from negligence on the part of the trucking company that employed or contracted the driver. For example, suppose a trucking company sets an unreasonable schedule that causes the driver to be overtired or exceed the state or federal driving limits. In that case, the trucking company may be found at fault for the accident. However, this is not always the case, and determining fault in a truck accident is an extremely complicated task.
How to Prevent Truck Accidents
Though there is no way to prevent truck accidents 100% of the time, there is a lot you can do to try and avoid them. One of the most important things to remember is that semi-trucks and other large trucks have reduced visibility of other cars on the road. Blind spots on trucks are much larger, especially if they tow more than one trailer. Being aware of your surroundings and giving large trucks some extra space can make a huge difference in preventing an accident.
More things you can do to prevent a truck accident include:
- Avoid driving on interstates on heavy traffic days
- Avoid driving in bad weather
- Give trucks a wide berth
- Always use your turn signals
- Don’t assume trucks can see you
- Avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots
- Be cautious when merging on and off highways or when changing lanes
Things truck drivers can do to help avoid accidents:
- Don’t drive when you are tired or impaired
- Use extra caution and slow down when it is raining or snowing
- Don’t drive in extreme weather conditions
- Be aware of hazards, such as ice on the road or areas where wildlife is present
- Don’t drive more than federally mandated maximum hours
- Keep your truck and other equipment well-maintained and in good repair
- Ensure that all required safety and maintenance checks are performed
- Do not overload your trucks
Remember, commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than your average vehicle. Because of this, accidents involving commercial trucks tend to be very serious. It is important that all drivers remain aware and committed to road safety.
What To Do If You Were Involved in a Truck Accident
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, it is recommended that you seek representation from an experienced attorney. These cases are incredibly complicated, but working with an Indiana truck accident attorney may improve your chances of reaching a positive resolution. To speak with one of our lawyers, reach out to Tabor Law Firm, LLP today.
To learn more about truck accident liability, review another blog- “Who Is Responsible for Accidents with Commercial Trucks?”
