Most Common Causes of Semi Truck Accidents
Posted in Car Accidents,Semi-Truck Accidents on May 2, 2016
Semi trucks can be the cause of some of the worst traffic accidents on the road. Each year, this industry creates severe health and safety risks, injury and even death. As the number of trucking accidents goes up, it is important to understand what most commonly causes these accidents. In better understanding the causes of semi truck accidents, we can find solutions to prevent them from happening.
The 4 most common causes of semi truck accidents
Below is an explanation of the four most common causes of semi truck accidents and how these conditions can be improved:
- Weather conditions
Weather conditions have a big impact on the safety of semi trucks on the road. Because these trucks are so large and heavy, weather has a direct impact on things like breaking distance and the truck swerving. Semi trucks are already more difficult to stop and steer than normal car, so bad whether makes them even more difficult to manage. Unfortunately, the whether can not be controlled. But keeping semi truck drivers off the road in bad whether conditions can definitely help prevent an accident. - Truck Equipment failure
Equipment failure is the second most common cause of trucking accidents. These can include include design and manufacturing errors like defective tires or failure to provide reverse-detection warning devices, or mechanical issues such as improperly maintained brakes or tires. The FMSCA requires all truck equipment to be inspected regularly but it is far too common for these things to go undone. Regular inspections of trucking equipment can prevent a large majority of these accidents. - Improper loading
Truck’s loads have to be strategically configured for safety. Often times these trucks have huge loads that aren’t configured making the load unbalanced. These trucks can become top heavy making them tip over easily if not loaded correctly. Then they fall into the roadways creating more traffic accidents. - Driver error
Driver error is the most likely reason for a trucking accident. If the driver is fatigued, inattention, distracted, or abusing substances is makes for very unsafe driving. This is why it is important to select good drivers who will comply with the rules and safety regulations.
