6 Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks and commercial trucks dot the roadways and highways as they deliver the products we consume. While they provide a needed service, they can also cause truck accidents. Because of the size of the trucks, and the speed they travel, the truck accidents can be catastrophic. It’s important for the drivers of these semi-trucks to understand how they move and operate on the road. It’s also important drivers to use caution when moving around them. Small errors, like failing to signal, can lead to big problems. Buffalo truck accident lawyer William Mattar takes a look at why semi-truck accidents can happen.

1. Drowsy Driving

Fatigue is a significant issue for truck drivers. They’re sometimes under pressure to go long distances in a short period of time. That may not lend itself to proper rest. When that happens, concentration, motor skills and coordination can all suffer. In some cases, truck drivers have fallen asleep at the wheel. All of those issues can cause serious truck accidents.

2. Impaired Driving

If fatigue isn’t the culprit, there’s a chance an illicit substance is playing a role. Truck drivers are not immune to substance abuse issues that can affect society. Impaired driving, whether by drugs or alcohol, is dangerous. It’s even more dangerous when the person using the substance is behind the wheel of semi-truck.

There are also a number of prescription medications that can impair driving. It’s up to the driver to understand their medication, and make the best possible decisions for safety.

3. Poor Driver Training

Another cause of semi-truck accidents is poor driver training. Truck drivers are required to go through a certain amount of training before they take to the roads. However, not all truck drivers adhere to the standards, and sometimes, driver inexperience can cause a truck accident. It’s vital that a driver fully understand his or her vehicle, and how to operate it. Poor semi-truck maintenance can play a role. There are certain requirements a truck must meet mechanically in order to operate on public roads. These requirements can be costly, and sometimes a driver or company may try to get past an inspection with an improperly maintained semi-truck. That can lead to big problems as well.

4. Speeding

As mentioned above, truck drivers often have to make it to their destinations in as little time as possible. This can lead to speeding, and overtaking cars in the path of the truck. Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure, and things like bad weather or traffic can really slow them down.

5. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving in the age of smartphones is a phenomenon and it can impact truck drivers. Driving long distances alone can lead to boredom. That can lead truck drivers to check their text messages, favorite social media sites or use their phone to talk. All of these things can distract a truck driver, whose attention to detail is incredibly important. Even small amounts of time, like a fraction of a second, can make a difference between a collision and near miss.

6. Passenger Vehicles

Sometimes, a passenger vehicle can cause the truck accident. These often have to do with maneuvers that test the limit of a rig, whether it be braking, accelerating or visibility. Changing lanes without warning in front of a truck, going around a truck to the right, while the truck is making a right-hand turn, misjudging how fast a truck is going and merging improperly into traffic can also cause issues for tractor-trailers. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings, and follow safe driving procedures when on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration  various information and resources that might be worth a look.

Hurt In A Truck Accident? Call William Mattar.

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At William Mattar law offices, our experienced truck accident attorneys can help you after your collision. If you sustained personal injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our truck accident attorneys now at 844-444-4444.