According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3921 drivers were killed and 104,000 people were injured in crashes involving large trucks. 333,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes as a whole in 2012. East Texas is heavily traveled by truckers hauling resources to and from cities. These staggering statistics should alarm you and probe you to stay alert while traveling near truckers.
As a driver, you should always take caution when driving around these trucks. Similar to motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents are often disastrous and come with devastating consequences, including serious injury and death. Why? A commercial truck can carry up to 80,000 pounds of cargo in its trailer. Such monstrous weight can crush even the most sturdiest of vehicles as if they were empty soda cans.
Like any other accident, trucking accidents are influenced by a wide range of factors and variables, but studies have proven that several causes are more prominent than the rest. Be sure to keep an eye out for the early stages of these causes when you get behind the wheel.
Fatigue
By far, one of the leading causes of trucking accidents is fatigue. Truckers are known to have long, monotonous work schedules, often those that go late into the night. While fatigued, truckers can be impaired both physically and mentally. They may swerve without warning into other lanes of traffic, off the road--or worse, the other side of traffic. Also, fatigued truckers may fail to notice and/or obey road signs, warnings, and hazards, or may fail to operate equipment properly, such as the brakes.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions heavily influence commercial trucks and how they operate on the road. Because of the weight of both the vehicle and its load, commercial trucks need an increased amount of space and time to make a turn or fully come to a stop. Rain, ice, and snow can slick up the roads, and the slippery surface means that trucks need more room to stop. Many trucking accidents are caused by truckers who underestimate the control they have during poor weather conditions.
Improper Loading
Loading a truck is more than simply tossing the cargo in the trailer and slamming the door shut. Up to 80,000 pounds will be traveling down the road at high speeds, therefore the cargo must be distributed carefully throughout the trailer. If a commercial truck is improperly loaded, the imbalanced supplies can cause a truck to tip over when it normally would remain upright. As a side note, unsecured cargo may slide and fall out of the back of the truck, which can easily result in accidents for other drivers on the road.
Are you a victim of an accident? Trucking accidents are serious and should be treated as thus. At Colley & Colley, we will analyze your circumstances with expert knowledge, present you all of your options, and fight for the rights and compensation you deserve in court. Contact an experienced East Texas attorney today.
15511 W Highway 71
Suite 110-142
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 477-2001
512-477-3335
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