Be Aware of These 5 Common Causes Of Trucking Accidents

As a trucker, you want to be careful out there on the open road. There are a long list of threats out there that can cause trucking accidents. Some common trucking accidents include:

• Driver error. Driver error is by far the most common cause of trucking accidents. Driver error is ten times more likely to cause a trucking accident than any other factor, including weather, vehicular problems, or the condition of the road. According to a study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 88 percent of crashes were caused by either an action or inaction by the driver.

• Sleep deprivation and driver fatigue. The most common factors in driver error are sleep deprivation and driver fatigue. When drivers don’t get enough sleep, they can fall asleep on the road, become inattentive to danger, or make bad decisions under pressure.

• Use of drugs. According to the FMCSA, 44 percent of truckers involved in accidents were taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Certain drugs can impede reflexes and thought processes, making it unsafe to drive.

• Brake failure. When brakes malfunction, the fault can lie with any number of people, including the driver, the owner of the vehicle, the company using the vehicle, or the manufacturer of the brakes. Regardless, it’s best to check brakes beforehand to make sure they’re in working condition before they can cause an accident.

• Tire failure. Like with brakes, there are a number of things that can cause tire failure, from defective tires to poor maintenance. As with brakes, checking tires regularly is essential to eliminating this potential threat.

With trucking accidents commons causes still represent just some of the threats you might face on the road. Want to learn more about liability when it comes to trucking accidents? Contact us!

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