Driving down the highway, you spot an 18-wheeler on the side of the road, its cargo spilled out across the lanes behind it. You quickly realize that this could have been your fate had you been traveling a few minutes prior.
This is just one example of what could happen down the road. You shudder as you realize how dangerous truck accidents can be. With astounding fatality rates, truck accidents are among the deadliest in the US.
In this blog post, we’ll explain why truck accidents are so deadly.
The Grim Reality of Truck Accidents
Nearly 4,000 people die each year in the US from truck accidents. In addition, over 100,000 more are injured. The high number of fatalities can be attributed mainly to the sheer mass and momentum of the large vehicle when involved in an accident.
Truck accidents are deadly due to their size and weight. The size of a truck compared to a passenger vehicle is significant. The weight of a truck is much greater. Consequently, the rollover and impact forces in a truck accident can be catastrophic.
The potential for serious injury or even death increases as a result. It is also more difficult for large commercial trucks to maneuver on the road. This makes them susceptible to dangerous road conditions that can easily lead to accidents.
The consequences of these accidents are enhanced because trucks usually carry hazardous materials. This makes them even more dangerous.
Contributing Factors to Fatality of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are often extremely deadly due to the sheer size and weight difference between them and other vehicles. Here are some other factors that contribute to the fatality of truck accidents.
Human Error
Human error is a major contributing factor to the fatalities associated with truck accidents. Unsafe driving practices involve:
- driving at excessive speeds
- inattention to traffic laws
- disregarding road signs or safety measures
- texting while driving
These are all forms of human errors that can put innocent lives at risk. Truck drivers are particularly at risk of these errors due to their long hours spent driving, making them more prone to fatigue and overwork, and thus increasing their likelihood of making mistakes.
Limited Visibility
Limited visibility is one of the most common contributing factors to the fatality of such accidents. This is especially true in situations of fog, heavy rain, snow, and darkness. These can cause truck drivers to misjudge the distance between their vehicle and other road users, leading to devastating accidents.
Limited visibility in these conditions could also hinder a driver’s ability to recognize any potential hazards or hazards in their surrounding environment. Poor lighting and blind spots created by the nature of truck cabs can also contribute to limited visibility and impair their ability to spot sudden hazards from a distance.
Drivers need to be aware of and take precautionary measures in situations of limited visibility. Wearing appropriate gear and using low-beam or fog lights are some of the steps that can be taken to ensure the safety of a driver and other road users.
Lack of Vehicle Maintenance
A large contributing factor to the severity of these incidents is the lack of vehicle maintenance. This is too common in the trucking industry.
It is essential that owners and operators keep up with maintenance on their vehicles. This is to ensure they meet safety standards. Without proper maintenance, trucks lack vital components for keeping drivers and other drivers on the road safe, including brakes, tires, and lights.
Operating a vehicle with faulty parts puts other drivers at risk. It can cause instability and make it hard to maneuver. As a result, it increases the chances of breaking down in the middle of the road.
Impacts of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse has long been a contributing factor to truck accidents, leading to fatalities. The most common types of substances are alcohol and illegal drugs. These impair truck drivers’ judgment and hinder their ability to drive safely.
Substances also dull reflexes and affect concentration. This makes it hard to react quickly or safely to changing conditions on the road. This lack of reaction time can quickly lead to fatal accidents, often involving other vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians.
In addition, substance abuse makes fatigue worse. These substances can induce both physical and mental tiredness. This can lead to poorly planned detours, slower reaction times, and erratic driving – all of which can be deadly. Substance abuse is a dangerous issue, not only for truck drivers but for everyone on the road.
Improper Cargo Loading
This can happen when cargo is overloaded, improperly secured, and when freight protrudes beyond the edges of the trailer. Unsecured loads increase the likelihood of cargo shift. This can impact a truck’s overall weight distribution and drift into oncoming traffic. Moreover, it can lead to difficulty in steering, acceleration, and even braking.
The Need for Enhanced Safety Measures
The need for enhanced safety measures is paramount. Regulations like speed limits, cargo securement, hours of service, and better equipment should be enforced. This is to ensure that all large trucks are being operated safely and these large vehicles are not jeopardizing others on the roadway.
Truckers need to know the state and federal laws they must follow to ensure the safety of everyone on the roadway. Enhanced safety measures are necessary to reduce the number of tragic truck accidents.
What to Do in a Truck Accident
If an accident does occur, stay in the vehicle and make sure everyone is safe. Call the police immediately, and don’t move anything from the scene until they arrive.
If you’re able, take photos of the vehicles involved and the conditions of the scene for further investigation. Seek medical attention even if it does not seem serious, as some car accident injuries worsen in the hours after the accident. Most importantly, call a truck accident lawyer for assistance on how to move on with a car accident lawsuit.
Understanding the Severity of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are extremely dangerous and unfortunate events, causing catastrophic damage and taking lives. It is important to adhere to safe and legal driving practices to reduce the likelihood of such tragic accidents.
All drivers should be especially mindful and cautious of the dangers of driving around large trucks. If you or a loved one is involved in a truck accident, seek medical attention, consult an experienced lawyer, and work together to receive the financial compensation you deserve.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned a thing or two. Before you go, make sure to visit our blog daily for other useful guides and tips.
