Causes of Trucking Accidents and Means to Prevent Them
More than 8.9 million people are employed in the American trucking industry as drivers and workers in trucking-related jobs. About 15.5 million trucks are operating in America today, with 3.5 million drivers distributed among 1.2 million companies and independent operators. The volume of goods transported by trucks operating across the country is estimated to cost about $670 billion annually. The trucking industry is very important, but it is also risky business. When a driver is on the road, fatigued from many hours of driving, the likelihood of an accident increases tenfold
Trucks and the increased likelihood of road accidents
When a truck that is loaded with manufacturing goods makes a turn, it needs more room than an average-sized vehicle. If something gets between a turning truck and the curb, disaster can strike, and oftentimes it does not bode well for the vehicle of smaller size. Some accidents occur while a driver is trying to manage a critical turn on the road. Nevertheless, a survey of causes of accidents reveals that poor driver choices and errors are the most significant causation.
Upon consulting a truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles, you are likely to hear about distracted driving, inability to react appropriately, and inability to see potential dangers. When something of great height, weight, and length loses control one can expect the worse, and in severe cases, the worst happens. It is known that when big rigs are involved in an accident on the road, the likelihood of fatalities increases significantly.
Potential causes of trucking accidents
Other potential causes of road mishaps involving big rigs are mechanical failure, truck part damage, and improper load distribution. It is important to take note of driver inexperience as well, where a driver who has just completed a course in trucking is suddenly and prematurely placed behind the wheel of a careening vehicle that weighs a few tons. All these can be avoided if the trucking company takes responsibility and ensures that the vehicles and people they deploy to deliver goods and services are in optimal condition to do so. A defensive stance may be necessary for certain areas so that accidents can be prevented.
Modern technology for accident prevention
Are you familiar with the word telematics? Telematics can predict to some level of accuracy the likelihood of a crash. Telematics solutions reveal driver behaviors that may lead to unfortunate chance events. These include rapid acceleration, hard braking, and speeding.
Other useful devices are backing sensors that can warn a driver if there is danger of a collision. These sensors can detect both vehicles and people. Audible backup alarms, collision warning systems, and advanced active braking systems are here to stay because they improve road safety if used properly.
Awareness of potential causes of accidents involving trucks, compounded with advantages offered by modern technology, is reducing the number of accidents on the road. A lowered number of fatalities and lesser severity of physical damage may be expected with the adoption of safety measures and vigilance from trucking operators and drivers plodding American roads.
