Commercial trucks and truck drivers are a vital component of America’s livelihood. In this land of consumerism, what are we without the products we enjoy each day?
Unfortunately, when mistakes are made, large commercial trucks can pose serious threats to all nearby road users. It is critical that every road user makes an effort to help keep our roadways safe so that we can all feel a little better about getting behind the wheel.
Read on to learn five facts about truck accidents you should know.
#1 - Passenger car drivers cause the vast majority (70%) of commercial truck accidents.
You may be surprised to learn that truck drivers don’t actually cause most of the accidents they are involved in.
According to a University of Michigan study, “the actions of drivers of passenger vehicles alone contribute to 70 percent of the crashes.”
In other words, 70% of the accidents that truck drivers are involved in, are actually caused by people driving passenger vehicles, such as:
- Sedans,
- Wagons,
- Hatchbacks,
- Crossovers,
- SUVs, and
- Pickup trucks.
#2 - Several elements can influence a truck accident and may occur hours, days, or months before the crash.
Some of the elements that can influence a truck accident include:
- Driver training
- Driver experience
- Vehicle design
- Vehicle manufacture
- Highway condition
- Traffic signaling
- Weather conditions
Some of the other elements that can contribute to an accident immediately before a wreck include:
- Deciding to turn in traffic
- A tire blowout
- Snowy conditions
According to crash reconstruction experts, truck accidents don’t often occur due to a singular element. Instead, most truck collisions happen as a result of several factors that build up to make the perfect storm; causing a collision.
#3 - Driver behaviors are significant risk factors of truck accidents.
The following factors can increase the likelihood of a truck accident:
- Fatigue
- Drinking alcohol
- Speeding
Keep in mind that it’s not just truck drivers who need to avoid the aforementioned factors, but all road users must take care and be mindful at all times to avoid collisions.
#4 - Brake problems are the number one reason why commercial trucks cause accidents.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the top 10 reasons why commercial trucks cause accidents include:
- Brake problems
- Traffic flow interruptions (congestion or a previous collision)
- Prescription drug use
- Driving too fast for the road and/or weather conditions
- Unfamiliarity with the roadway
- Roadway complications
- A stop was required before the crash occurred (such as for a traffic control device or a crosswalk)
- Over-the-counter drug use
- Insufficient surveillance
- Fatigue
#5 - More than half of all fatal truck accidents occur on major roads other than interstates and freeways.
Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggests that 51% of the deaths that occur as a result of commercial truck accidents happen on major roads that are not interstates and freeways.
By contrast, fatal truck accidents occur on interstates and freeways 34% of the time. Additionally, 15% of all fatal truck crashes happen on minor roads.
If a Truck Accident Caused Your Injuries, We Can Help
Getting hurt as a result of another’s negligence is unacceptable. If this has happened to you, keep in mind that you have options.
You may be owed compensation for your injuries as well as pain and suffering if you’ve been injured as a result of a commercial truck accident. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our office right away to learn more about what we can do to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Call our firm at (605) 777-7466 or complete an online form today for a free case evaluation. Choose a skilled team that truly cares about you and your best interests.