Truck accidents are among the most devastating accidents on the road, often leading to severe injuries, significant property damage, and death. According to data compiled by the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 120,200 large trucks involved in crashes resulting in injury in 2022, a 2.5 % increase from the year prior.
Also in 2022, 5,837 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes. Trucks are particularly dangerous given their sheer weight and size as compared to other vehicles on the road. Understanding some of the most common causes of truck accidents is crucial in helping decrease the number of them. In this article, we will uncover some of the most common causes of truck accidents.
Driver Fatigue
One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. In a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), they found that approximately 13% of truck drivers were fatigued at the time of a serious crash. Driver fatigue is incredibly dangerous as it can greatly impair a driver’s ability to make split-second decisions, concentrate, and react to unexpected obstacles.
To help combat the prominence of truck driver fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has put in place the Hours-of-Service (HOS) Regulations. While these regulations seek to limit the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can drive, unfortunately, these rules are not always followed.
Distracted Driving
As the Wilmington truck accident lawyers at Shipman & Wright LLP describe, distracted driving is another main contributing cause of truck accidents. Distracted driving encompasses anything that diverts your attention from the road, and there are four main types of it – auditory, visual, manual, and cognitive. Some of the most common examples of distractions while driving include, but are not limited to:
- Texting
- Phone calls
- Eating
- Drinking
- Changing car controls
- Reaching for an item
- Music
- Loud passengers
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Another common cause of truck accidents is improper cargo loading. When cargo is not correctly loaded on large trucks, this can cause them to become unstable, leaving them vulnerable to tipping over. In addition, if cargo is not properly secured, truck drivers run the risk of cargo flying off of their vehicles.
Another danger is if the truck is overloaded with cargo and surpasses the weight limit. This can make it very difficult for truck drivers to control their trucks and come to a stop. Every state has specific laws regarding cargo loading to help ensure that it is done properly.
Speeding
Speeding is a common cause of all types of motor vehicle accidents. The NSC reports that speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2022. Due to their weight and size, trucks require more time and distance to stop compared to other smaller vehicles.
When a truck is traveling at high speeds, the truck becomes much more difficult to control, especially when there are unexpected road conditions or obstacles. While speeding can be catastrophic for any type of vehicle, the consequences are much more likely to be grave and severe in a truck.
