Truck Accidents: Causes & Preventive Measures You Can Take

Common Causes for Truck Accidents 

While truck collisions can occur for various reasons, there are a few commonalities that we have seen over the years for why such accidents occur. Most factors come down to the driver and a lack of knowledge or care while out on the road, but some come down to the vehicle itself and possible maintenance issues. 

Distracted driving — Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle accidents of any type. While driving,  it is important that you pay full attention to the road ahead of you so that you can react properly no matter what occurs. This in itself, will help minimize the percentage of accidents we see every year. 

Fatigued driving — Commercial truckers often drive significant distances on a single run, and it can be easy to find yourself becoming drowsy, especially at night. It is often said that driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving while drunk, as you lose motor function and general awareness. If you feel drowsy while on the road, it is time to take a rest! 

Failing to adjust to weather conditions — Weather conditions are constantly changing and it is important to adapt your driving to the current weather. This is especially true during snowfall, as snow coupled with colder temperatures highly increases the potential for accidents. 

Driving under the influence — Not only is driving under the influence highly illegal, but it is also a leading cause of trucking accidents in the United States. While impaired, your body and mind do not have the ability to properly function, which is dangerous when operating any vehicle. When it comes to trucking, individuals who are caught under the influence are likely to lose their job and license. 

Speeding and reckless driving — Speed limits exist for a reason, as they help maintain proper traffic conditions. Not only that but limiting your speed can help you stay in better control of your vehicle. 

Negligent hiring practices and lack of training — Trucking companies who do not complete their due diligence when hiring employees are potentially placing untrained individuals onto the road with large trucks that pose a danger. 

Improper Maintenance — Trucks must be properly maintained to ensure that they are capable of driving well while on the road. Lack of maintenance can lead to significant issues, increasing the potential for crashes. 

Prevent Accidents as The Trucker 

In regards to vehicle accidents, there are usually many parties involved in the collision. Whether you are a trucker or a citizen simply driving down the road, we are each in control of our actions and responsible for each other’s safety. When it comes to truckers themselves, there are many ways to prevent accidents from occurring, and it all begins with proper training. Commercial vehicles are not as simple to drive as standard automobiles, so it is important for truckers to receive the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully operate their vehicles. 

In addition to proper training, it is critical that truckers are in the proper physical and mental state to operate their truck. This comes down to having an adequate sleeping schedule to avoid fatigue, and instilling correct driving habits such as avoiding distractions, intoxication, and other general behaviors. All in all, make sure to keep full focus on the road ahead and the environment around you, as this in itself plays a huge role in avoiding dangerous collisions. 

How To Prevent Truck Accidents As A Motorist 

As a motorist, when in proximity to a truck it is important to use defensive driving skills to avoid accidents. 

Allow more space between your car and the truck ahead — Larger vehicles in front of you can limit your visibility in regards to slowing traffic, construction, or other hazards. By leaving space between you and the truck, you have time to react properly if anything does occur. 

Leave space when overtaking a truck — Trucks are much heavier than standard vehicles, which means they require a longer time to stop. Do your best to never cut off a commercial truck, as this can lead to bad outcomes. If you do not have the space to overtake a truck with plenty of room, it is best to stick in your lane until you do, 

Stay out of a trucker’s blind spots — Every single vehicle has its blind spots, but trucks tend to have a lot more than a standard car. One tip we have is that if you look at a truck’s side mirrors and you CAN NOT see the driver’s face, they cannot see you either. 

Use caution when pulling over — Many accidents occur to cars being struck while on the shoulder of a highway. If you need to pull over make sure to find a wide shoulder or a designated spot. 

Stay cool, calm, and collected — It can be easy to become frustrated with a truck driver, but it is never okay to let the frustration get the best of you. In general, even if you have the right away, let the truck continue as this can help avoid terrible accidents.