The Most Common Causes Of Truck Accidents And How To Avoid Them
Accidents on the road can happen to anyone, whether you ride a bicycle or drive an eighteen-wheeler. Whether you’re a novice or have years of working experience, no truck driver wants to be in the middle of an accident. Accidents can financially harm you, those around you, and your business and can cause a whole lot of pain.
In order to avoid the worst of the worst, you need to be prepared. By understanding the most common causes of truck accidents, we can prevent them in the future. To help get you up to speed, and stay below the speed limit, here are the most common causes of truck accidents and how to avoid them.
Speeding
It’s no surprise that speeding is usually the most common cause of any road or truck accident. Any fast-moving vehicle can cause a lot of damage. Sometimes, it’s the speeding of other vehicles that cause truck accidents on the road. If you’ve been a victim of one of these cases it’s important to know your rights. With the help of this in-depth guide, you can find the legal help you need to get compensated for your losses. Trucks and semi-trucks, because of their weight and size, can cause significant damage. Because of this, drivers of these heavy-weight vehicles must also be fully present and be in control of their speed and distance from other cars.
Poor maintenance
Truck maintenance is extremely important. Before you can worry about other vehicles, as a truck driver you need to make sure that your rig is in order first. That includes things like brakes, mirrors, tires, and fluid levels. Regular checkups are crucial for every driver who wants to avoid a car or truck accident on the road. Equipment failure can result in catastrophic accidents on the road. Regular preventative maintenance is the key to avoiding permanent damage. This can save you money and will save you from being held liable for any accident, even if it wasn’t your fault. So make sure to do a pre-trip inspection before you hit the road.
Drowsy driving
Spending long hours on the road is enough to make anyone tired and sleepy. It’s a dangerous mistake to make to be drowsy while driving a two-tonne vehicle at any time of day. Many of the most serious accidents are a direct result of driver fatigue. It’s important to stay awake and alert while driving, especially when driving a truck.
Fatigue from exhaustion or from being under the influence causes a slower reaction time and makes it easier for you to make a mistake. To avoid accidents, make sure that you are well-rested before you hit the road. Always assess your alertness. If you feel tired, try to stop and get some well-deserved rest before carrying on, to stay safe.
Drunk driving
Driving under the influence is a big no-no in the world of road safety. Driving while drunk can be a fatal mistake and takes the lives of thousands of people every year. Truck drivers sometimes turn to alcohol or substance abuse on long commutes to pass the time. This is incredibly irresponsible as it limits your responsiveness and alertness. As a heavy-duty vehicle driver, it is important to know the risks and to stay as far away from the bottle while driving to stay safe. It is of the utmost importance to stay alert and vigilant while driving, to avoid creating any reason for accidents on the road.
Driver inexperience
Sometimes, the cause of most accidents is the lack of experience of the person at the wheel. Driving is no easy feat, especially when the driver is moving a two-tonne vehicle cross-state. It takes years of experience to reach the level where you can comfortably drive such long distances with no issue. As a new driver, you cannot predict what might happen, or how to handle it. However, you can be as careful as possible and follow the rules, in order to avoid accidents. Listen to your peers, take advice from other, more experienced, drivers, and stay vigilant. Preventing catastrophic road accidents is sometimes all about doing things by the book.
Road accidents are a terrible thing and take the lives of many every year. Driving trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles is a difficult, but necessary job. To avoid accidents, make sure to stick to the speed limit, first and foremost. Follow the rules and don’t get too cocky as a new driver. Remember to watch your health and to stay as well-rested as possible. Keep away from the booze and put on some good tunes instead to pass the time. Remember to maintain your truck and to be vigilant. Preventing truck accidents starts with keeping yourself and your truck in line.
