A total of 4,136 people were killed in U.S. truck accidents in 2018, according
to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Many factors can contribute to truck accidents nationwide, from negligent
driving behavior to equipment failure to hazardous road conditions. In Texas,
the following are the most common reasons for large commercial truck
crashes.
Driver Fatigue
Based on the findings of the Large Truck Crash Causation Study, fatigued driving is a leading of truck accidents, as reported by the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration (FMCSA). Truck drivers are subject to FMCSA hours of service regulations, limiting
the number of hours they can drive between off-duty time and rest breaks.
Despite the rules, it is not uncommon for drivers to push the limits and operate
a big rig without sufficient rest.
Distracted Driving
Long stretches of empty highway are a dull prospect for truck drivers to face.
Like most drivers, they carry cell phones, listen to music, operate GPS devices,
and eat and drink behind the wheel. Driver inattention is another leading cause
of truck accidents. While operating an 80,000 lb. tractor trailer, truck drivers
need to keep their hands, eyes, and attention strictly on the road.
Impaired Driving
Truckers often use prescription or over-the-counter drugs to stay alert for the
long haul ahead. Some drive under the influence of illegal drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine. Although marijuana has been broadly legalized
in some form in 11 states and D.C., it is still illegal to drive under the
influence, as THC significantly impairs driving ability.
Aggressive Driving
Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure to deliver their loads. They may lose
patience and drive aggressively, putting others on the roadway at risk.
Aggressive truck driving may involve speeding, following too closely, passing
illegally, unsafe lane changes, and failure to yield the right-of-way to other
drivers.
Equipment Failure
Manufacturing defects or poor maintenance can lead to truck equipment failure on
the road. Brake failure is the number one contributing factor to truck accidents
associated with large trucks and their drivers. Tires can blow out, causing the
driver to lose control of the vehicle. Breakdown or failure of the axles,
headlights, wiring, or steering mechanism can lead to a collision with another
vehicle that causes catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Inclement Weather
Loss of traction is a leading cause of jackknifing and other types of truck
accidents. Rain, ice, or snow on the roadways can cause truck drivers to lose
traction and control of their vehicles. When a truck is traveling too fast for
weather conditions, it greatly increases the risk of a deadly truck accident.
Get a Texas Truck Accident Lawyer On Your Side
When a tractor trailer collides with car, SUV, or light truck, the passenger
vehicle occupants are the ones who are likely to suffer serious injuries or
death. If you or your loved one has been hurt in a truck accident caused by
someone else’s negligence, you need a Texas truck accident lawyer to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call the Sorey Law Firm
P.L.L.C. at (903) 230-5600. Our founding attorney, Dan Sorey, is a tough
advocate for injured truck accident victims.
