Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
Large trucks move goods around the country, but they also present risks. The damage can be catastrophic when a truck is involved in an accident. Understanding the common causes of trucking accidents can help reduce risks for everyone on the road. If you’ve been involved in a crash, a truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and pursue compensation.
While only companies and drivers can fully control some factors, many causes are linked to human error, mechanical issues, and environmental conditions.
Frequent Factors Behind Trucking Accidents:
Driver error
Driver mistakes contribute to a significant number of trucking accidents. Operating a large truck requires skill, focus, and extensive training. Even minor errors can lead to significant consequences when large vehicles are involved.
Fatigue
Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road. Fatigue sets in when the body doesn’t get enough rest. A tired driver struggles with slower reaction times and poor decision-making.
Federal regulations limit the number of hours a driver can work each day, but some drivers may underestimate the importance of following these rules. Pressures to meet delivery deadlines can push drivers to ignore the signs of fatigue.
Distraction
Distracted driving is a widespread issue for all drivers, but it carries added risks for those in control of commercial trucks. Phone use, eating, fiddling with GPS devices, or even daydreaming can divert a driver’s focus.
For a truck driver, losing focus for just a few seconds can lead to a collision due to the massive size and slow stopping time of the vehicle.
Impaired driving
Alcohol and drugs remain a serious concern in the trucking industry. Some drivers may turn to substances to cope with the demands of long hours and isolation, but their use impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times.
Even legal medications can affect a driver’s ability to control their vehicle if they cause drowsiness or confusion.
Poor judgments and decisions
Making incorrect judgments about speed, following distance, or traffic conditions causes accidents. A driver may underestimate how long it takes to stop a fully loaded truck or misjudge the gap needed to merge into traffic. Such errors often result in avoidable collisions.
Lack of training
Proper training prepares truckers to handle challenging driving situations. Without adequate instruction, drivers may not understand how to react when something goes wrong, such as a tire blowout or icy roads. Improper training also increases the odds of poor decision-making behind the wheel.
Mechanical failures
Mechanical problems are another leading cause of trucking accidents. Large trucks rely on complex systems to operate safely, and a single malfunction can lead to dangerous situations.
Brake failures
The brakes on a commercial truck face extreme strain, especially during long trips and downhill driving. Faulty brakes can prevent a truck from stopping in time. Poor maintenance or manufacturing defects are often behind these failures.
Federal regulations require regular brake inspections, but lapses in enforcement or oversight can result in accidents.
Tire issues
Tires endure significant wear and tear, especially on heavily loaded trucks traveling long distances. Blowouts and tire tread separation create immediate hazards, sometimes causing drivers to lose control. Underinflated, overinflated, or poorly maintained tires increase these risks.
Steering and suspension problems
Steering and suspension systems are a major componant in keeping trucks stable on the road. Failures in these systems can cause trucks to veer unexpectedly or tip over when turning. Proper inspection and upkeep are essential for preventing mechanical breakdowns during trips.
Cargo-related failures
Improperly loaded or secured cargo creates risks for mechanical failures. Cargo shifting during transport destabilizes the truck, increasing the likelihood of rollovers or jackknifing. Overloading also places excess strain on tires, brakes, and other systems.
Environmental conditions
Factors outside of human or mechanical control, such as the weather and road conditions, also contribute to trucking accidents. These conditions demand extra caution and preparation.
Bad weather
Rain, snow, and ice reduce traction on the road, making it harder for trucks to stop or maintain control. Strong winds may also tip over tall trailers, particularly when they are empty. Drivers need to slow down and increase following distances during bad weather to avoid accidents.
Poor visibility
Fog, heavy rain, and darkness limit a driver’s ability to see hazards ahead. Trucks take longer to stop than smaller vehicles, making poor visibility even more dangerous. Drivers must account for limited vision by using headlights and reducing their speed during unsafe conditions.
Poorly maintained roads
Trucks often travel on highways and rural roads that are not always in great condition. Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris pose dangers, particularly for heavy vehicles. A truck that hits a large pothole could lose control or damage its suspension.
Construction zones
Construction zones present unique challenges for truckers. Narrow lanes and abrupt changes in traffic patterns can lead to accidents. Uneven surfaces or improperly marked detours can increase the risk of losing control. Drivers must stay alert and follow reduced speed limits in these areas.
Unsafe Practices in the Trucking Industry
The trucking industry itself contributes to accidents through unsafe practices. Pressures to meet deadlines and prioritize efficiency may create dangerous situations for drivers and other road users.
Unrealistic schedules
Tight delivery schedules encourage drivers to remain on the road longer than is safe. Some drivers may cut corners on rest breaks or ignore hours-of-service regulations to meet deadlines. Exhausted drivers are more prone to making mistakes.
Lack of vehicle maintenance
Some companies skimp on routine maintenance to maximize profits. Skipping regular inspections or delaying repairs increases the odds of mechanical failures. Federal regulations require companies to maintain their fleets, but enforcement can be inconsistent.
Pressure to work through illness or fatigue
Trucking companies sometimes pressure drivers to keep working even when they feel unwell or fatigued. This pressure creates unsafe conditions as drivers are more likely to make errors or react slowly during emergencies.
Accidents Unique to Trucks
Some accidents are unique to trucks because of their size and design. Caution is even more critical in these situations.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknifing occurs when the truck’s trailer swings out at an angle from the cab, resembling the blade of a folding knife. This usually happens during sudden braking or slippery conditions. Jackknife accidents often block multiple lanes of traffic and cause serious collisions.
Rollover Accidents
Trucks are more prone to tipping over due to their high center of gravity. This risk increases when taking turns too sharply, speeding, or carrying unbalanced loads. Rollovers can crush nearby vehicles or cause significant damage to the surrounding area.
Underride Collisions
Underride accidents happen when smaller vehicles slide beneath a truck’s trailer. These crashes are often fatal. Rear guards and reflective tape can mitigate some risks but are not always effective or present.
Wide Turns
Because of their size, trucks require extra space to turn. Drivers who misjudge this space may collide with other vehicles or objects. Poorly marked intersections or impatient drivers who try to pass on the inside can make wide turns even more dangerous.
The Influence of Cargo Types on Accident Risks
Cargo plays a significant role in the risks associated with truck accidents. The type of goods a truck carries impacts its handling on the road. Certain types of cargo add challenges for drivers and increase the likelihood of accidents.
Understanding these risks is critical for improving safety measures and reducing the occurrence of crashes.
Hazardous materials
Transporting hazardous materials is especially dangerous. These materials include flammable liquids, toxic chemicals, and compressed gases. Accidents involving these substances can result in fires, explosions, or environmental contamination. Spills expose nearby drivers and residents to serious health risks.
Specialized safety measures are required when carrying hazardous materials. Trucks often need placards that identify the type of risk involved. Drivers must also follow strict regulations, including routes that bypass densely populated areas. Even with precautions, mechanical issues or driver errors can lead to devastating accidents.
Oversized loads
Oversized loads create unique challenges because of their weight, size, and impact on vehicle stability. Wind resistance is greater, and stopping distance increases significantly. Sharp turns or steep inclines become harder to manage, especially when cargo is unevenly distributed.
These loads require permits and designated routes to ensure safety. Escort vehicles often accompany trucks carrying oversized items like construction equipment or large wind turbine blades. These trucks can block traffic or lose control without proper planning, creating multi-vehicle accidents.
If a trucker misjudges the space needed to maneuver a tight corner, the load might hit a structure or another vehicle.
Livestock transportation
Trucks that carry animals face challenges other cargo types do not. Animals move within the trailer, causing the truck’s center of gravity to shift unexpectedly. This increases the risk of rollovers or difficulty maintaining stability. Stopping suddenly can also cause injuries to the livestock and further destabilize the vehicle.
Extra precautions are necessary when transporting animals. Drivers must ensure that the animals are securely confined while allowing proper ventilation. Long trips require rest stops to feed and care for the livestock. Without these measures, stress on the animals or inadequate containment can contribute to accidents and cargo loss.
Loose or unsecured cargo
Cargo must be properly balanced and secured to prevent accidents. Loose cargo can shift during transit, affecting the truck’s handling and increasing the risk of rollovers. Unsecured loads may fall off the truck, creating dangerous obstacles for other drivers.
For example, construction materials like pipes or lumber can cause pileups if they tumble onto a highway.
Careful loading and inspection are key to addressing these risks. Drivers should double-check straps, harnesses, and tie-downs. Loaders must ensure the weight is evenly distributed to maintain the truck’s stability. Routine inspections during transit can catch issues before they lead to accidents.
Perishable goods
Cargo such as food or medical supplies must often remain refrigerated during transport. Mechanical failures in refrigeration systems can lead to spoiled cargo and financial losses.
However, they also pose risks to other drivers. For instance, a refrigeration malfunction might distract the trucker or delay their schedule, encouraging risky driving behavior to compensate for lost time.
Truckers carrying perishable items must plan their routes to avoid delays and ensure proper cooling equipment maintenance. The cargo and driving conditions can create unsafe situations when these precautions are ignored.
Addressing cargo-related risks
Regulations and safety practices are critical in managing the risks associated with various types of cargo. Trucking companies and drivers must prioritize proper loading techniques, regular maintenance, and thorough inspections.
The trucking industry can reduce accidents and protect all road users by tailoring safety measures to the type of cargo being transported. Better awareness of these risks highlights the need for accountability at every step of the transportation process.
Vito & Dollenmaier Can Help
Trucking accidents leave lasting physical, financial, and emotional scars for victims. Holding negligent drivers and companies responsible improves safety for everyone. A personal injury attorney can help you build a strong case and pursue fair compensation. Call us today at 224-425-4031 for a free consultation or use our online form to get in touch.
If you or a loved one were harmed in a trucking accident, Vito & Dollenmaier Law can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact our team today to learn how we can support you.