Road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death in the United States. Out of all road traffic accidents, truck accidents are the most dangerous. Truck accidents can quickly become fatal. This is because trucks are very large vehicles that can quickly become uncontrollable. Around 500,000 trucking accidents occur each year, with 5,000 resulting in death. If you’re a truck driver, then you need to do your best to avoid being involved in any accidents.
In this article, we are going to address the primary causes of trucks accidents and how they can be avoided:
Blind Zone
Every truck has a blind zone. This is the area at the back of the truck, where the driver cannot see approaching vehicles. Often, accidents are caused because drivers ignore a truck’s display warnings and sit in the truck’s blind zone, ultimately causing an accident. The only thing that a truck driver can do to avoid accidents caused by the truck’s blind zone is to display signs warning drivers, which they usually do. As a driver, you should try to keep your distance from the truck so that it can see you. You should also try to avoid sitting in a truck’s blind zone for too long.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another leading cause of trucking accidents, by both truck drivers and road users. According to one truck accident lawyer in Oklahoma City, trucking accidents usually result in much more serious injuries. This is something which we mentioned in the article’s introduction. Because of the potential for serious injury, both ordinary road users and truck drivers must pay full attention to the road. It’s easy to let your attention slip when you’re driving, but a fatal accident can be caused in a matter of seconds. Pay attention.
Drunk Driving
Drunk and drug driving are also leading causes of accidents. It’s often other road users that cause these accidents, drifting into the truck driver’s lane or sitting in the truck’s blind zone. However, occasionally truck drivers are also guilty of this. The best way to avoid trucking accidents related to drunk or drug driving is not to drink and drive (or to drive under the influence of any intoxicants). In states where recreational Cannabis is legalized, you still shouldn’t smoke when you’re in control of a truck. Trucks can be very dangerous and must be treated seriously.
Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of car and truck accidents, which can usually be avoided. The speed limit exists for a reason. It is there to ensure that drivers do not injure themselves or other road users. If you’re in control of a truck, then you need to adhere to the speed limit; a truck slows down much more slowly than a car can. If you try to suddenly slow down a truck, then you can cause it to lose control. Always stick to the speed limit, even if you’re in a hurry and have deadlines to meet. If you don’t, it could prove fatal.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly in a truck is inappropriate and very irresponsible. Because of how dangerous a truck can be, you need to always drive responsibly and safely. If you begin cutting people off, then you can cause an accident. Make sure you’re always in control of the truck. Don’t ever try and take shortcuts, cut corners, or speed around to save time. Similarly, don’t lose your temper and begin tailgating and exhibiting aggressive behavior on the road. When you’re in a truck, this type of behavior can be very intimidating to other people sharing the road with you.
Driving When Tired
Driving when tired is a big problem among truckers, which is why they have cabins built into their trucks to allow them to get some sleep. If you’re a trucker, you must make sure that you pull over and go to sleep if you’re ever tired; don’t ever drive your truck when you’re struggling to stay awake. If you fall asleep at the wheel, you could cause serious injury to other people sharing the road with you, and yourself. Most motorways have truck stops every few miles.
Running Red Lights
Don’t ever run a red light when you’re driving a truck or any car for that matter. Because of the length of a truck, if you run a red light, you could cause a multiple car pile-up. Make sure that you always wait your turn.
Trucks have the potential to become very dangerous, especially when they’re in the wrong hands. With all of the tips in this article, you should be able to minimise any accidents. Make sure you take everything here into consideration.
