Common Truck Driver Errors That Lead to Accidents
The United States is highly dependent upon trucks to keep our economy afloat and transfer goods across the nation. However, with the great number of trucks on the road comes an increased opportunity for truck accidents. According to a large truck crash causation study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver error accounted for 87% of all truck crashes observed. Furthermore, truck drivers have a great responsibility to drive safely and ensure that truck accidents do not occur. Let’s uncover some truck driver errors that are the biggest contributors to truck accidents in the United States.
Speeding
According to the crash causation study mentioned above, speeding was the greatest cause of driver error-related truck accidents. Speeding and driving excessively over the speed limit is not only illegal, but it is incredibly unsafe. While speeding is unsafe for any vehicle to do as it reduces the amount of reaction time a driver has as well as their ability to safely control the vehicle, it is particularly dangerous for truck drivers as the impact of a speeding truck is likely to cause severe damage due to their sheer weight and size. Trucks generally have a lower speed limit on main roadways because it is often not safe for them to travel at the same rate of speed as other vehicles.
Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue is another significant contributor to truck accidents, causing 13% of truck crashes in the large truck crash causation study. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for truck drivers to be fatigued for a number of reasons including a lack of adequate sleep, long working hours, late-night shifts, and irregular sleep schedules. Although federal rules such as hours-of-service regulations and the use of electronic logging devices have been put in place to help reduce the incidence of driver fatigue, the issue is still very prevalent. Driving while fatigued is incredibly dangerous as it impairs one’s ability to react, focus, and stay awake – all of which are non-negotiable when it comes to operating any kind of motor vehicle.
Intoxication
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is both illegal and very dangerous for truck drivers to partake in. If you are under the influence of any kind of substance, it will greatly inhibit your motor control, impair your vision, reduce your reaction time, and cause you to make irrational decisions, all of which are very likely to lead to an accident. Truck drivers who are found to be driving under the influence will not only be penalized by law but will also likely get their commercial driver’s license (CDL) revoked or suspended.
Distractions
Distracted driving is another common truck driver error that may lead to a catastrophic accident. As the Tacoma truck accident attorneys at Brumley Law Firm describe, distractions can include talking on the phone, texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. Even just glancing away from the road for a few seconds can have fatal consequences. Although truck drivers may be tempted to reach for these distractions as they drive for numerous hours and boredom starts to settle in, truck drivers must refrain from doing so while driving and pull over if there is something that requires their attention.
