Trucks are essential in any economy. They transport goods that keep the economy moving and provide jobs. Given their crucial role, truck drivers, manufacturers of the spare parts of these trucks, truck operators, mechanics, and all road users need to be responsible and observe all the safety measures and regulations.
However, it is sad that safety measures, such as responsible driving, are sometimes neglected. Irresponsible driving is one of the most significant causes of truck accidents in the US. This menace needs to be eradicated to give road users safety assurance and hope of returning to their families without incurring any injuries. Driver negligence is the main contributor to truck accidents.
The victims of these accidents can seek the assistance of truck accident lawyers to acquire fair compensation for their damages and injuries.
This article talks about the five types of driver negligence that cause truck accidents. The objective is to help you avoid them and increase your alertness on the road. Read on.
Fatigue
Truck drivers sometimes face the pressure of meeting tight deadlines, forcing them to sleep less and work more. The long working hours accompanied by fewer resting hours make them sleepy. This situation, in turn, affects the driver’s ability to operate the truck safely, leading to slower reaction time, impaired judgment, and the likelihood of falling asleep while driving.
All drivers should adhere to the hours of service regulations. Ignoring them may result in regrettable life-long consequences.
Distracted driving
Mobile devices have advantages, but they tend to cause distraction for those behind the wheel. This situation is a significant concern on the roads. Some drivers might find themselves texting, using GPS devices, or having a meal while driving, which deviates their attention away from the road.
A slight lapse in concentration while driving a large commercial vehicle can cause devastating accidents. It is important to completely focus on driving when inside a truck.
Impaired driving
It is a crime to drive under the influence of alcohol or any drug in the US. Despite these strict measures, some drivers might break this law and proceed to drive when drunk or under the influence of drugs. This impairs their judgment.
This condition can lead to serious road accidents, especially when driving commercial trucks. Drivers under the influence have reduced coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times, making them a hazard to everyone on the road.
Over speeding
Over speeding is dangerous and may cause fatal accidents, no matter what your vehicle is. The catastrophe is made worse when large commercial trucks, like those in Amazon, break speed limits.
Compared to smaller cars, trucks need longer distances and time to stop; hence, driving over the speed limit may not give a driver enough time to control the truck, resulting in a collision.
In addition, due to the weight and size of the trucks, accidents that occur due to over speeding can lead to extensive damage and severe injuries.
Inadequate training or a lack of experience
It is mandatory to have specialized skills, knowledge, and experience to operate commercial trucks. Truck drivers need to undergo training to handle commercial trucks safely. The essential skills for any competent truck driver include understanding how to navigate turns, managing blind spots, and being able to operate in different weather conditions.
Inexperienced or untrained drivers will undoubtedly make errors that can lead to accidents that have far-reaching consequences for the victims.
Conclusion
Every road user needs to understand the types of driver negligence that lead to accidents on our roads. We should all work towards adhering to safer traffic rules and regulations to avoid truck accidents.
Article and permission to publish here provided by Paul Krett. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on January 25, 2024.
Cover image by imagesource.io.