Referred to as “the lifeline of America”, semi-truck drivers transport millions of goods every day across our country. As much as we need them to continue our way of life, we also need them to make wise driving decisions to optimize road safety. Consider the following five fatal causes of semi-truck accidents:
1. Driver Fatigue
Semi-truck drivers are paid per mile and have quotas to meet for their companies. Although there are laws regarding how much time a semi-truck driver can be on the road before he must take a break, sometimes these laws are not adhered to. The driver may become tired and will not be able to have a quick reaction time or make safe driving decisions.
2. Use of Stimulants
To avoid fatigue or the need to take a break, some semi-truck drivers might use stimulants, such as alcohol or drugs, to stay awake. Although they are awake, that doesn’t mean they are alert or capable of driving a semi-truck. Alcohol and drugs may give them the stimulation they need to continue driving, but their decision-making skills have been compromised. Further, once the stimulants have worn off, fatigue will set in.
3. Incomplete or Poor Training
All semi-truck drivers must meet a required amount of training before being allowed to legally drive the big rig. If the driver received incomplete or poor training, it is only a matter of time before a bad decision will be made or he does something that endangers the lives of others. Poor training coupled with bad weather is also a recipe for disaster. A semi-truck driver needs to know how to maneuver his truck in all weather conditions or else he might encounter dangerous situations such as:
- Jackknifing
- Skidding
- Hydroplaning
4. Not Following Road Laws
To meet quotas, semi-truck drivers may break road laws such as driving too fast or overtaking another vehicle in an unsafe manner. If the driver in front of the semi-truck does not see the semi-truck speeding up or attempting to overtake, his vehicle may get hit. Or, even if the driver does see the semi-truck, it could force him to act fast and swerve off the road or into another lane.
5. Driving on Unfamiliar Roads
If a semi-truck driver is traveling on unfamiliar interstates, highways, or roads, he will have to refer to his GPS more than usual. This takes his eyes off the road which can be a fatal decision. Running a stoplight or stop sign can result in barreling into another vehicle, causing serious injuries or death.
Our attorneys immense experience handling semi-truck accident cases and pursuing justice for our clients. Call us today for a free consultation: 478-254-5040
Stay tuned for our six-part series on semi-truck accidents:
- 5 Fatal Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
- 4 Ways the Size & Weight of a Semi-Truck Affects Drivability
- 4 Factors that Determine a Semi-Truck’s Stopping Distance
- Explaining the Dangers & Fatal Consequences of an Overweight Semi-Truck
- How to Avoid a Squeeze Play Accident with a Semi-Truck
- Simple Tips to Minimize Semi-Truck Accidents at an Intersection