The Common Forms of Truck Driver Negligence That Lead to Accidents

imagesource

Truck accidents are one of the most devastating accidents on the road. They often have severe consequences that can change the lives of the victims forever. Truck accidents are of such a magnitude because of the size and weight of a commercial truck.

Though various factors may contribute to a truck accident, the driver’s negligence is one of the top causes. Whether it is lack of rest or use of substances, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure safety for everyone on the road. Drivers are often required to do a drug test after an accident to ensure that no substances were involved when the accident occurred.

This blog explores the various forms of driver negligence that lead to truck accidents.

Distracted Driving  

Distracted driving is one of the major causes of road accidents. Distracted driving is when the driver’s mind or body is not entirely focused on driving. Distractions can be of 3 types:

• Visual Distraction: Looking at billboards, glancing at the GPS, looking at a gathering, etc.
• Cognitive Distraction: Zoning out, thinking of a conversation or a fight, worrying.
• Manual Distraction: Eating, drinking, texting, adjusting the playlist.

Such distractions take the attention of the driver away from the task of driving. Taking the attention off from driving, especially in the case of trucks, can decrease the driver’s reaction time for any sudden movements. It increases the chances of an accident.

Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers often work long hours as they have to cover long distances to get the freight from one place to another. To ensure drivers get the rest they require, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established Hours Of Service (HOS), the number of hours the driver may work, and the amount of break they need to take to be fresh. Driving can take a toll on the driver; if the truck driver disobeys the HOS and takes longer shifts, it is likely that they get fatigued and doze off behind the wheel, causing an accident.

Let’s take a look at some signs of fatigue to spread awareness:

• Delayed reactions
• Frequent yawning
• Drifting between lanes

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Trucks are big and heavy vehicles that take time for tasks such as stopping, turning, etc. In the case of speeding, which is dangerous, trucks can be even more threatening. In general, if a vehicle is speeding, it will take some time for it to stop; in the case of a truck, which already takes time, it will need even more.

If a truck is speeding and a sudden movement requires it to stop or maneuver, it will not be able to, causing an accident. Let’s look at some other reckless driving behaviors that can cause harm to the driver and others on the road:

• Tailgating
• Aggressive lane changes
• Ignoring traffic signals

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) is when a driver is driving the vehicle under the influence of mind-impairing substances. This could include:

• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs
• Prescription drugs

Any substance that alters the mind hinders the driver’s judgment, coordination, and reflexes. Truck drivers often take stimulants to help them stay awake on long roads that may seem never-ending, but even the usage of such substances is not permitted as it hinders the mind. The FMCSA has established a strict blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.04% for commercial drivers to ensure safety on the road.

Conclusion

A truck driver’s negligence seriously threatens the lives of the people on the road. It is crucial that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. If a person is involved in a truck accident, connect with a truck accident attorney, as they can guide them through the legal process and ensure they receive fair compensation for their damages.