Accidents involving large trucks can cause catastrophic injuries and horrific damage to the vehicles of other road users.
With over 100,000 people being injured in truck collisions every year, it’s a serious problem and one that can make other drivers apprehensive about being on the road with them.
Having said that, what’s the reason that trucks are involved in so many accidents every year?
Driver fatigue
Truck drivers are often expected to drive for hours at a time if they are going to meet their targets and deadlines. There is a safety law limiting the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road without a break but not all drivers comply.
Even so, the number of hours allowed is long and many truckers choose to drive through the night to reach the destination. A combination of these things can lead to drivers’ reaction times being impacted or, worst case scenario, falling asleep at the wheel.
Driving a truck in an unsafe condition
Trucking companies are under an obligation to make sure that their vehicles are roadworthy and safe to drive.
There are, however, times when the regulations surrounding regular truck maintenance are not complied with which can result in incidents such as brake failure or tire blowouts. This can also be caused by overloading a truck which can severely impact braking times and distances.
Reckless driving
This can include anything from texting and calling to eating and reading while driving.
Reckless driving also includes taking unnecessary risks and making unsafe maneuvers that all put other road users at risk. This also includes speeding and a failure to use turn signals.
Driving in this manner makes it hard for other road users to anticipate what the truck driver is going to do next. It also affects the control the truck driver has over their vehicle. All of the above can easily be catalysts for a road traffic accident.
If you find yourself in a collision where the truck was at fault, you’re entitled to seek compensation for the damages and loss you’ve suffered as a result.