Industries, consumers, and companies all rely on commercial trucks. However, each time they ply the road—transporting products and services—they pose lots of risks. For example, in recently published stats by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is said that driving is one of the most dangerous careers. In 2016 alone, there were about 918 fatalities from driving in the United States. And this figure, rather than declining, continues to rise. Nevertheless, if you are armed with the proper insight about trucks, you will avoid being a victim of a truck accident. Furthermore, this truck accident insight will help you understand how you can avert the situation. To help you carry through, it’s advisable to speak with an attorney for car accidents. Located in Delray Beach, Zappitell Law Firm, LLC is waiting for all of your questions!
Truck Accident Insight For All
As said earlier, there are so many trucks on the road daily. If all road users are to be kept safe, there is a need for insight and management of risks. Here is some of the insight that you need to know regarding truck accidents:
- Long-Haul Trips- Long-haul truckers are at high risk of fatigue. They drive an average of 60 hours each week and go over 107,000 miles annually.
- Stringent Deadline- They are often given unrealistic deadlines that push them to speed and drive aggressively. These result in driving in an unsafe condition
- Lack Of Training- Almost 40% of truckers admit that they had insufficient training initially. And these types of truckers put the lives of everyone at risk.
- Unsafe Conditions- Because trucks are heavy and tall, they are always susceptible to losing control of snow and wind.
- Work Zones- Road closures and work zones present a lot of hazards. These include lane changes, abrupt stops, and others.
- Tailgating- Tailgating truckers would increase rear-end collision risks since they require more time to halt than regular vehicles.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance- A minor mechanical issue can lead to severe consequences when driving at high speeds.
- Distracted Driving- This is usually common when the trucker is behind a big rig. In most states, distracted driving is prohibited.
What Companies And Drivers Can Do To Help
Companies must allow sufficient time for the deliveries of goods and emphasis on rest. There must also be safety programs for drivers to promote safe habits when they are behind the wheel. They should also discuss risk factors that lead to crashes, and also, they must make emphasis that trucks should be inspected to avoid problems. For truckers, they must always get sufficient sleep and rest when needed. By all means, they should avoid driving when on medication or fatigued. Learn appropriate signs, avoid distracted driving, learn the proper use of breaks, and always inspect your vehicle before driving. Other drivers should remember to be patient, stay off blinds spots, give space to the truck, anticipate wide turns, never cut in, and pass safely.
What You Can Do After A Truck Accident
You can’t eliminate all risks on the road with truckers. So, when there is a crash, immediately call 911 for medical attention, get a police report, gather all contact and insurance details from all involved in the accident, know your rights, and speak with an attorney for car accidents.
Contact Us
At Zappitell Law Firm, LLC in Delray Beach, we are entirely aware of the profound effects a truck accident could have on a victim’s life. We focus on the client’s legal claims and allow you to focus on recovery. If you need to speak further with an attorney for car accidents and need more truck accident insight, contact us today!