Trucks are fantastic resources, contributing much to the given economy through efficient bulk logistics. But when the times are wrong, even they can be a perilous threat to society. A collision with a truck causes catastrophic damage. Don’t you believe it? The numbers speak for themselves.
According to the ATA, about 72.5% of freight weight is contributed by trucks, which are the primary source of death and injuries that destroy one’s quality of life. About 450,000 truck accidents occur in the United States annually, of which about 5,000 are fatal. While the size of the vehicle can compromise mobility, there are bizarre and odd reasons why these accidents occur. In this article, you will learn just that:
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Eerie & Irresponsible Behavior
This reason is highly unfair to other smaller vehicles, which are most susceptible to damage due to the driver’s misconduct and irresponsibility. It is crucial to get legal assistance from a truck accident attorney to obtain a fair compensation with their experience and skills in the legal avenue. Truck accident claims are complicated, primarily due to the plethora of laws surrounding the subject. Finding an experienced attorney with exceptional legal education and practical knowledge of handling and obtaining compensation can help you win the case and focus on recovery.
Certain drivers display specific behaviors or indulge in actions that are often eerie and irresponsible. It is a weird reason, but it is accountable. Drivers often have sneezing fits that can prevent them from driving correctly. Some even talk to Siri or other voice assistants while driving. Leaving pets on the truck has also caused tragic deaths. For instance, a tiny piece of metal conduit could fall from the ceiling of a tunnel, passing underneath the truck and potentially killing the driver. Improper securing of the loads is also a huge reason why other vehicles are involved in deadly accidents.
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Sleep Apnea
Commercial trucking is a significant contributor to the tertiary sector of the economy. When there is a shortage of truckers, companies often force working drivers to work longer hours or even double or triple their shift times to make up for lost income. This pushing can result in extreme fatigue and tiredness, under which drivers must not operate the rigs.
Research studies show that at least one in three truck drivers has sleep apnea, creating difficulty or restriction in breathing while sleeping. Sleep apnea is common for daytime sleepers but can be dangerous when trucking.
A diagnosis of sleep apnea does not serve as a basis for trucking but can be extremely dangerous while driving heavy vehicles. Companies have considered this factor and fired drivers who refuse appropriate treatment. Though not required by federal law, accidents caused by sleep deprivation can be harmful to other vehicles and the driver.
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Cross Winds
Although eerie, crosswinds have fueled the increase in truck accidents, especially in places with intense storms and fierce winds like Minnesota. Blizzards, storms, and strong winds have turned over trucks and caused harmful actions. Winds come from different directions and can make the driver lose control of the vehicle.
As such, they can either be pushed to the side of the road or even knocked over bridges. An imbalance in cargo or load can further trigger this phenomenon. The loaders are typically held liable for improper and negligent loading of goods on the truck.
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Distractions With Technology
The last bizarre reason is the abundance of technology that can leave the driver overwhelmed and potentially distracted from the road. Improper knowledge of a device’s usage or necessity can stump the driver trying to figure out its mechanism. They include radio communication devices that are used to navigate and update on the progress of their destinations.
For companies that don’t offer this technology, drivers use their phones to navigate their routes and communicate with their employers about weight stations, gas stations, changes in destinations, etc. These devices lead to distraction and contribute to accidents.
Conclusion
Trucks, especially those in commercial use, are bulky vehicles with an average length of 72 feet and a weight of 80,000 pounds. Size is one factor that leads to results in blocking vision and creating blind spots on the road. The additional inertia from a break is also longer than average, which is extremely dangerous in icy regions.
The size also creates high ground, making other, smaller vehicles ride under the truck. Sharp turns can also create chances for accidents due to the high and comprehensive center of gravity.
Hopefully, this article has shed light on some peculiar reasons that cause truck accidents. Keeping these points in mind will go a long way towards preventing catastrophic accidents.