In 2013, approximately eleven percent of all accident fatalities on the road were attributed to commercial trucks, although just five percent of the automobiles on the freeway were commercial trucks, semi-trailers, and multi-axle trucks. Given the massive size of commercial trucks and the wide load they carry, the small automobile or pedestrians stand no choice against these monster trucks. In most case, injuries sustained from crashes attributed to automobiles are serious; and those who are involved either die or are left with lifelong disabilities. This article offers the 5 most interesting facts you need to know about truck accidents.
Jackknifes Mostly Occur with Longer Trucks
Jackknifes are common when it comes to long commercial trucks. The longer the trailer, the higher the chances the truck will be involved in jackknife accidents. The reason for this is longer trucks gain more momentum when in motion and become more difficult to stop as opposed to the shorter trailers. Therefore, when driving alongside a trailer, you need to take the necessary precaution to ensure you get out of the way by slowing down to avoid being in the line of impact just in case something goes wrong.
Truck Drivers Know What They Are Doing
Contrary to common beliefs, truck drivers are not ignorant when it comes to using freeways or highways. As a matter of fact, these drivers are highly trained because they have taken the exams to become certified and obtained a commercial driver’s license. Additionally, truck drivers have restrictions on how long they are to operate without a break and how heavy of the truck they can drive before proving their abilities to maneuver heavy vehicles safely. In other words, these drivers know what they are doing, but accidents still occur. Therefore, it’s important to be on the lookout when driving close to a truck. If the driver happens to be driving erratically to the extent of making you feel uncomfortable, do not hesitate to call the relevant authorities and inform them about it.
Unsecured/Overloaded Trucks
It’s important that large trucks are loaded the right way. Trailers carry loads that are extremely heavy, and if the loads are not secured, there is a chance they could tumble from the truck onto the highway thereby causing a serious accident. Moreover, trucks that are overloaded are quite difficult to maneuver, even for the experienced drivers.
Fatigue
Truck drivers under pressure to beat deadline will often skip their mandatory sleep breaks so as to ensure they deliver the loads on time. Numerous reports show that truck drivers who are deprived of sleep pose a greater risk to other road users.
Negligence of Trucking Companies
Truck accidents can be caused by negligent companies that employ drivers who were previously charged for drunk driving and recklessness. In such cases, trucking companies can be held negligent, especially if they encouraged speeding to make timely deliveries.
Conclusion
Going through an accident can be very difficult but living through the lifelong repercussion of a trucking accident without financial resources is the most difficult thing. Visit https://2keller.com/practice_areas/indianapolis-semi-truck-accident-lawyer.cfmh for all the help you can get when it comes to cases pertaining to truck accidents.