More than 40,000 victims of road accidents lose their lives in an estimated five million motor vehicle accidents in Tennessee. The loss incurred by motor vehicle accidents is 43 billion dollars. This does not include the damage to property. This is the data that represents the cost of injuries and fatal accidents. This is according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Causes of truck accidents
Trucks are typically involved in accidents because of the following:
Exhaustion of truck drivers; truck drivers drive on the roads for a long while. They experience issues such as accumulated sleep deficit, fatigue, and sleep apnea. They are bound to errors while on the road. Fatigue of drivers contributes to 40% of all accidents. This is according to statistics from the National Transportation Safety Board.
Lack of etiquette by truck drivers; lack of manners by road users has made 62% of motorists fall victim to bad manners by fellow drivers. This is also referred to as road rage. Tailgating and obstructing other drivers are the most common types of road rage.
Speeding; truck drivers drive for long distances, they are always in haste to reach their destination. This is what leads to speeding. Their employers may also provoke them to speed because they do not entertain lateness. Some may speed to cover up for time lost on the road. It is a very dangerous thing to do as far as safety is concerned.
Overloading of trucks; many truck owners load trucks with goods that exceed the limit weight of the trucks. This puts the truck at risks of tire blowouts, problems with the brake system, and steering issues. The drivers do not have an option when it comes to this. They must do what their bosses say in order to protect their job.
Drunk drivers; some drivers engage in the consumption of alcohol and drugs. This leads to impaired judgment. They pose a threat to other motorists and pedestrians.
Working beyond the regulated hours of service; the transport sector has put up strict rules that guide the commercial truck driver’s service hours. It is mandatory that the drivers enter the details of their shifts in consideration of the law. The cooking of these records in order to earn more may cause accidents. This leads to fatigue. It is a risk factor for accidents.
Improper education on road usage; some of the drivers behind the wheel of trucks on our roads do not have the necessary education on road usage. Untrained drivers make uncouth decisions that are the source of confusion. This leads to accidents and causes many deaths on the roads.
Un-roadworthy trucks; some trucks are poorly maintained. Their brakes may fail anytime. Many truck owners are reluctant to repair bad parts on their trucks in order to minimize expenses and save on cost. Trucks that have not been serviced are dangerous because they can break down at any time.
Distractions while driving; truck drivers are human. They may engage in certain activities while driving. These include texting, eating, answering calls, or even adjusting their dashboard parts which is also dangerous.
Control of Road Accidents
Deaths that are caused by these accidents can be reduced by educating truck drivers on the importance of safe driving. Accident attorneys are specialized lawyers with experience in the sector. They work to help claim and secure compensation for injuries sustained from accidents. They educate accident victims by teaching them about practical and legal aspects of personal injury laws and auto accident claims.
After spending his secondary years of study at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, G Turner Howard III earned his BA at Tulane University. A member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, he received his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Before becoming an attorney, he earned a Master’s and Doctor of Divinity at Andrews Theological Seminary and Columbia Theological Seminary. He also served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army in Vietnam. With more than 20 years of experience, his firm has helped clients receive millions of dollars for personal injury, and in many cases, much faster than they ever expected.
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