Trucks play a vital role in transporting goods across borders. However, the enormous size and weight of these vehicles also make them potential hazards on the road. Truck accidents, often catastrophic due to their scale, are frequently caused by unsafe driving practices.
If you find yourself in the miserable situation of being involved in a truck collision, you should seek compensation for your losses.
In this blog post, we are going to explain the five unsafe driving behaviors that can cause truck accidents.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a major contributor when it comes to truck accidents. The pressure to meet tight schedules can sometimes force truck drivers to engage in aggressive driving behavior on the road.
Here are some examples of reckless driving practices that increase the risk of truck accidents:
- Tailgating
- Sudden lane changes
- Violating traffic rules
Not only does reckless driving endanger the truck driver, but it poses a serious threat to other motorists as well.
Speeding
The need for quick deliveries pushes truck drivers to exceed speed limits, turning their vehicles into potential missiles on the highway. The impact of a truck traveling at high speeds can be catastrophic, leading to more serious injuries and property damage.
Speeding affects a driver’s ability to react promptly to sudden changes in traffic, making it a crucial factor in truck collisions.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a problem, not just in car accidents but in truck accidents as well. Drivers multitasking behind the wheel often has disastrous consequences. Here is a list of things that fall under truck driver distraction.
- Texting
- Reading
- Eating
- Adjusting the radio
- Dispatch device use
- Talking on a mobile phone
- Exterior distractions
- Talking with a passenger
- Playing with children or a pet
It is important to concentrate on the road and what is occurring around your vehicle while driving to avoid truck accidents.
Driving Fatigue
Truck drivers often cover vast distances, leading to extended hours on the road and potential driving fatigue. Fatigue impairs a driver’s judgment, reduces reaction times, and increases the likelihood of the driver falling asleep at the wheel.
It is recommended that you get the right amount of sleep and practice healthy habits to avoid becoming a victim of driver fatigue.
Unsafe Passing or Turning
Unsafe passing or turning by truck drivers can cause truck accidents. The following are the reasons why:
- Failing to signal the turn or turning from the wrong lane
- Passing on the right, in a no-passing zone, or when unsafe
- Making sharp or wide sharp turns that can collide with other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians
- Traveling at an unsafe speed or failing to consider the space required for turning
How Can an Attorney Assist After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, victims need the help of an attorney to recover fair compensation. Hiring a truck accident attorney gets you the following benefits.
- Investigate the cause of the accident
- Collect and preserve evidence
- Identify liable parties
- Calculate the compensation
- Build a strong case
A truck accident attorney can also protect the victims’ rights and make sure that they do not accept any lowball settlement offer. By hiring a truck accident lawyer, victims can improve their chances of getting the justice and compensation they deserve.
Final Thoughts
Most truck accidents occur due to unsafe driving practices. One who is hit by a truck faces physical injuries, financial problems, and emotional distress.
We hope our article has helped you learn about the unsafe driving practices of truck drivers. If you are injured because of a negligent truck driver, then it is important to take legal action. Contact a lawyer today to find out what your options are.
