With the trucking industry growing every year, there are more and more drivers on the road. Unfortunately, with this growth in drivers comes an increase in truck accidents. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics states that bigger trucks result in about 550 deaths and over a quarter of a million injuries per year. So, it's no surprise that truck accidents are some of the most devastating types of crashes. Whether you're a trucker or not, they can impact your life in unexpected ways. That's why it is important to be educated on the risks and how you can avoid them.
Truck accidents in the U.S.
Over 1,000 people are killed and over 100,000 are injured annually in truck accidents in the United States. To help reduce these numbers, more stringent laws have been implemented for truck drivers and their employers. The most important rule is to stay alert when driving near a truck. This means keeping your distance from the back of the vehicle and being aware of what is happening around you. Truck drivers have to follow many different rules when operating their vehicles, which can be difficult if they are tired or distracted while driving long distances on busy highways.
Truck drivers usually work long hours to meet deadlines or because they need extra money for their families. Unfortunately, this can lead to fatigue-related accidents during rush hour traffic jams or when weather conditions are poor outside of work hours. These types of accidents often occur because truckers drive too fast for their own good—for example, because they want to get home before dark (especially if there’s no moonlight) or because they don’t want to waste time waiting for traffic lights at busy intersections (which can be very dangerous). Roadway conditions can also play a role in these types of accidents: if there’s snow on the ground
Driver Fatigue and Sleepiness
It's a common misconception that truck drivers are able to drive for long periods of time without stopping. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that truck accidents caused by driver fatigue are on the rise.
The most common cause of truck driver fatigue is sleep deprivation. Truck drivers who are regularly working more than 70 hours per week or not getting enough sleep can be at risk for falling asleep behind the wheel. It's also important to note that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, so if you suspect a truck driver is fatigued, it's best to err on the side of caution and report them immediately.
You can avoid these accidents by making sure you're well-rested before you get behind the wheel. If you're planning an extended road trip, make sure you have a good night's sleep beforehand so that when it comes time to drive, you'll be alert and ready to go!
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Distractions can include eating or drinking, applying makeup, applying bug repellent, texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio and so forth. If you're going to be driving a big rig or any other type of truck, it's important that you minimize distractions as much as possible.
The best way to avoid distracted driving is by putting down your phone and not using it while you're behind the wheel. You should also make sure that your passengers know that they shouldn't use their phones either.
If you do have to text someone while you're driving, make sure that you pull over into a safe place before doing so. If it isn't anywhere safe for you to pull over and text someone in the first place then don't do it at all!
Improperly Secured Loads
One of the most common causes of truck accidents is improperly secured loads. The problem can be as simple as a load that isn't properly secured or it can involve faulty equipment or design. If a load is not properly secured and becomes loose, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
In many cases, improperly secured loads are caused by defective equipment or design. For example, if the trailer was made with weak welds or the trailer was not built with enough support in place to hold the weight of its contents, it will be more likely to break down under stress. If this happens while you're driving, you'll have no control over where your vehicle goes and could cause an accident on the highway.
Drug & Alcohol Use
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most common causes of truck accidents, causing over 10% of all traffic fatalities.
In addition to being illegal, driving while intoxicated can result in serious injuries or death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-related crashes result in over 20% of traffic fatalities annually.
Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination—making it harder for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. When combined with fatigue or other medications, alcohol can also increase the risk of accidents by as much as six times.
Unfamiliarity with Roadways
If you're unfamiliar with a roadway, it can be hard to know how to react when something unexpected happens. If you're on a road where trucks are common and you don't know them, it's important to be aware of what they can do and how they operate.
First of all, trucks are heavy, so they can cause more damage than other vehicles. They also have a wide turning radius, which means that they'll need more space to turn than most cars or smaller vehicles would. The best way to avoid an accident is by giving trucks plenty of room when they're turning or changing lanes. You should also pay attention to any warning signs that indicate that there's an upcoming turn or lane change—this will let you know when it's time for you to slow down and change lanes as well.
In addition, it's important for truck drivers to know what the rules are in order for them not get into trouble with law enforcement officers or other drivers on the road who may not understand their responsibilities as truck drivers under specific circumstances. For example: if there is construction work going on along one side of the road (or even worse—in the middle!), this could mean that there are fewer lanes available for traffic flow along certain portions of the road at various times
Brake Failure and Other Equipment Malfunctions.
The most common causes of truck accidents are brake failure and other equipment malfunctions. These are problems that can be avoided, though, if you take care of your truck's maintenance.
It's important to keep your brakes in good working condition so that they don't fail unexpectedly when you're driving on the highway. If you notice any problems with your brakes, bring your truck into a professional truck detailing service for repair as soon as possible.
For example:
1) Brake pads wear out over time and need to be replaced periodically.
2) Rotors warp or become pitted due to heat and need to be resurfaced or replaced periodically.
3) Wheel cylinders leak due to age and require replacement periodically.
4) Brake fluid leaks can be prevented by changing it regularly and checking hoses regularly for leaks or damage.
If you're like most drivers, you probably don't think about the maintenance and safety of your trucks until something goes wrong.
But it's important to take care of your trucks so that you can avoid costly repairs or, even worse—accidents due to brake failure or other equipment malfunctions.
The best way to do this is by taking advantage of Mccoy's maintenance and detailing services. Our team will make sure your truck is running smoothly and looking sharp—not only will this save you money in the long run, but it'll help keep your employees safe as well.
We are servicing St Louis, MO, and Spring Field, MO, and we specialize in detailing big rig trucks, semi-trucks, and 18-wheeler trucks. Visit us anytime!
You can avoid truck crashes by following this advice.
A lot has been done to ensure that you arrive safely on the other side of any highway, but there's always room for improvement. If you want to avoid truck crashes in the future, then be sure to follow these tips. While a lot of it may seem like common sense, it's important to remember that in crucial situations, you might overlook even the most basic safety protocols.
