The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents

by

05 February 2020

Automotive

Truck Accidents

Big rigs, delivery, trucks or any kind of commercial trucks can present some serious threats to other vehicles and passengers present on the road. As per statistics, around five hundred thousand accidents from the total accidents are caused either directly or indirectly by commercial trucks. Out of these five hundred thousand, around five thousand have reported leading to deaths due to truck accidents.

In order to take efficient measures for the prevention of truck accidents, we first need to understand the main causes as well. In this article, we have listed some of the most common causes of truck accidents.

The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents:

1.Cars Driving in the No-Zones areas

The area behind and beside a truck is known as the ‘No-Zone’ area. A passenger vehicle or car driving in this area automatically puts itself in a dangerous position because the area is not visible by the driver. An accident can occur due to zero visibility.

2. Not Training the Truck Drivers Properly

Driving a truck is entirely different from driving a car and requires an enhanced level of training. Drivers who are not properly trained may not be aware of the safety concerns and important techniques for driving trucks. These drivers, in turn, are more prone to cause accidents later on as well.

3. Speeding and Over Taking by the Truck Driver

Speeding by any kind of vehicle whether it is a truck or a passenger car or even a motorcycle can ultimately lead to an accident. Overtaking while driving especially at high speeds also contributes to a majority of accidents.

Most of the truck drivers tend to over-speed as a result of the unrealistic deadlines given by their companies to deliver goods in a lot of cases. Over-speeding, especially in poor weather conditions, poses a heightened level of danger for all the vehicles present on the road.

4. Poorly Maintained Trucks or Trucks with Faulty Systems

A truck or any kind of vehicle needs to be properly maintained so that it can function well on the road. If a commercial truck is poorly maintained or consists of faulty systems, then it can lead to critical accidents. Faulty brakes, for example, can lead to an accident if a truck driver is not able to stop the truck at point hence leading to a collision.

5. Distracted Driving and Fatigue

Drivers tend to become exhausted and even bored when they have been driving trucks from a long consistent period of time. As a result, they might be prone to falling asleep on the wheel or may look for distractions to keep them entertained. These distractions can include playing games on their cell phone or speaking on the cell phone while not focusing on the road.

Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer Today!

These were some of the common causes in brief. In order to learn more in detail for filing a truck accident claim, you can choose to contact the Truck Accident Attorney Chicago for better understanding.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Heavy Haul

Get to Know Interstate and Intrastate Heavy Haul Transport

Heavy haul fleets offer interstate and intrastate transport choices, and both cover different regulations and protocols.Interstate hauling refers to the trucks that cross state lines in delivering cargo. Intrastate, meanwhile, means the fleet operates locally. Its permit and operational limitations don’t allow it to cross state lines.They also differ in terms of regulations they have to comply with. Regulations Covering Interstate Heavy Haul Fleet: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the primary agency that oversees and monitors interstate heavy hauling fleets. Trucking companies need to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Hazardous Material Regulations.Of course, each state has its regulations, fees, and permits covering cargo trucks that pass its borders. Regulations Covering Intrastate Heavy Haul Fleet:For intrastate operations, the state has the primary responsibility to ensure that the fleet is following all rules and regulations governing transport. Typically, the rules and regulations are the same as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.But some states, due to the products they move, have stricter quarantine regulations. They also have different rules on the number of hours a truck driver needs to be on the road, the health qualifications, and age limits. What is a DOT number? The Department of Transportation, where the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is attached, assigns different numbers to heavy haul trucks. For instance, there’s a particular number if the truck is transporting hazardous material across state lines. The same goes for the weight of the cargo or if the truck is carrying 9-15 people.For intrastate trucking operations, the regulations vary. Some states don’t require a DOT number and some do.The DOT number should not be confused with the DOT certification. If the fleet is DOT certified, it simply means that the truck driver possesses the competence, skills, and knowledge to drive such a big vehicle across the country.Truckers can’t secure a commercial driver’s license without this DOT certification, and they have to renew their permit every two years. State authorities always check the DOT certification when they flag down delivery trucks and heavy haul fleet. Fees: In terms of fees, it stands to reason that when the fleet routinely crosses state lines, it is subject to much higher fees.To illustrate, their insurance coverage is higher because they are exposed to more risks. The longer the truck driver is on the road, the higher the risks he would be exposed to. Each state also has its fees, surcharges, and levies.For intrastate cargo, the fees, license plate, and insurance coverage are lower. Again, each state has its own rules covering fees, so for the most part, the trucking company only has to worry about those.These regulations are necessary considering that the trucks remain the primary mode of transport for cargo across the US. For example, statistics show that trucks carry 80% of the total cargo that’s shipped around the country. The industry is also worth $726 billion every year.Read Also:Why Times Are Tough For Truckers And Why It Concerns You How Servicing For Your Commercial Boiler Works: A Step-By-Step Guide To The Process

READ MOREDetails
Used Car

10 Reasons to Purchase a Used Car

Looking to buy an inexpensive car? Then think about buying a used car rather than an expensive new car. Buying pre-owned vehicles can provide the same comfort as a new car, provide quality transportation for years, and can significantly save you money.Here’s a list of reasons why you should buy a used vehicle. 1. Cheaper price tag: The price of a used car is a lot less intimidating than the price of a new car. New vehicles are great to have, but cars still lose most of their value early in their lifespan. The inevitable law of depreciation remains a significant reason to purchased used cars instead. 2. Several options: If you’re buying a new car, there are only a few brands and models available for you to choose from. But, when you purchase a used vehicle, you can look around and pick a specific car that best suits your needs. 3. Cheaper insurance rates: New car insurance can be cheaper. However, the insurance rates for a used car are less expensive than they would be for new cars. It means you will be saving money on the vehicle itself and on your insurance, both at the same time. 4. Cheaper registration fees: The same as with car insurance, several states charge a cheaper fee to register a vehicle if it has a lower transaction price. While some states increase its registration fees to generate more income, purchasing a used car is a good way to avoid rising registration fees. 5. Used cars now are much more reliable than in the last century: With the help of today's technology, vehicles are designed and manufactured to last longer, which makes modern used vehicles more reliable and dependable. 6. Negotiate the price: You can purchase the vehicle for lower than its asking price if you successfully haggle about its price with the seller. 7. Cut down on maintenance costs: Maintenance costs tend to be cheaper when you purchase a used car. You can also save money on internal configurations, premium oil, and more. 8. Less depreciation: Brand new cars are bound to lose around half of their value in the first five years after purchase. However, used cars do not depreciate so fast, making your purchase a good investment. 9. Cheaper customization costs: Since you’re purchasing a used car, you may install features on your own at a more affordable price than on a new car. 10. Certified pre-owned vehicles: Certified pre-owned vehicles assure buyers that they’ll be getting a car that drives like new. It also ensures buyers that they’re buying quality and thoroughly inspected cars at a bargain price. Certified pre-owned vehicles may sometimes have an extended warranty, unique financing, and other benefits.Buying used cars in Utah, Florida or any state is exciting, especially with several great options to choose from on the market today. These are some of the reasons why buying a used vehicle is worth it.Read Also:The Top 3 Fastest Ways To Sell Your Car Privately 7 Reasons Why Teenagers Pay Extra For Car Insurance

READ MOREDetails
Rental Really

Does Equipment Rental Really Result in Savings?

Renting heavy equipment used in construction has seen a steady rise in the past several years. Many contractors, business owners, and project managers seem to prefer renting a variety of machinery used in various stages of construction. Perhaps the most obvious conclusion on why renting has become the go-to solution in recent years is that it is more convenient and relinquishes the renter from any obligations once the rental period is over. However, are there other, more compelling reasons for choosing to rent heavy equipment instead of buying?The primary objective of Crane Hire Lincoln and other plant hire companies is to provide an extensive range of services for various sectors that require different kinds of heavy equipment. Although it is clear that renting does appear to be an optimal solution, it is still essential to take a closer look at whether it is best for all situations. Why is renting worth it? Buying heavy machinery is a significant investment. Such equipment requires consistent maintenance and a dedicated storage area. Over some time, these pieces of equipment will eventually depreciate. If you conduct a cost-benefit analysis, buying equipment to use only several times before putting it in storage is not a cost-effective decision. Hence, renting appears to be the best choice in these scenarios. Renting equipment as a short-term solution Depending on what kind of heavy equipment you need, if you consider buying, you will spend thousands on every single machine. If you need multiple machines to complete a project, the overhead cost will be staggering. Renting equipment at reasonable prices according to how long you will need the equipment helps in minimizing the cost of project completion. The bottom line is, if you only need the equipment for a short time, renting is the best solution. Additional benefits of renting equipment Aside from saving money on the cost of equipment acquisition, there are other benefits to construction equipment rental:No need to worry about maintenance. Most equipment rental agreements will not require the customer to perform any maintenance on the machine. Before the equipment gets delivered to the job site, it is the responsibility of the rental company to ensure that the machine is in good working condition. Usually, after the rental period is over, the rental company also takes care of equipment removal and clean-up. No need to dedicate storage space. Large pieces of machinery require ample storage space. If you do not own space, you might need to secure a storage facility for your company’s equipment. Renting machinery relieves you of this concern. No need to invest in staff training. Some heavy machinery requires operators to secure a license and be adequately trained. If you buy equipment, you will also need to hire and train employees who will operate it. Rental companies usually provide an operator as part of the rental agreement, if required.In conclusion, equipment rental is a cost-effective solution for short-term equipment needs. Nevertheless, depending on the nature of your business and how often you need to use a particular piece of equipment, it is also worth considering buying if you have the need and the resources to do so.Read Also:Boat Rentals At Lake Champlain Which Mobile Router Rental You Should Choose In Italy?

READ MOREDetails