Drivers in Indiana want nothing more than to stay safe, getting from one place to another. With the number of semi-trucks traversing the roads, however, things seem dangerous and scary.
Collisions with big rigs and large buses accounted for over 4,800 deaths in 2017, and trends suggest that this number is climbing every year. At Theisen Hubley Law, our primary focus is on keeping the public safe from harm. Understanding some of the most common causes of tractor-trailer crashes may help you steer clear of them.
Asleep behind the wheel
The primary contributing factor to accidents involving large trucks is fatigue. Driving drowsy is a problem for many drivers, but in truckers, this issue is tantamount to crashes. While the Federal Motor Carrier Association limits the number of hours a trucker can drive before taking mandatory sleep time, truckers continue to push limits and drive exhausted.
Distracted driving in big rigs
Just as in motor vehicles, campaigns against distracted driving are hitting the trucking industry hard. This potentially fatal phenomenon occurs mainly due to an increased reliance on technology. Smartphones top the list of in-cab distractions contributing to accidents; however, they are not the only cause. Eating, operating a GPS, and talking to passengers may equally draw a driver’s attention from the road ahead.
Inadequate driver training
Some accidents happen because a truck driver did not receive adequate training in dealing with certain scenarios. Companies hire inexperienced drivers because they are apt to charge less per mile than those who have driven for years. However, this practice winds up costing more in insurance premiums and payouts when a crash occurs.
Truck drivers are essential to the country’s transit system, and staying safe is everyone’s goal. Continue to our website for further information.