Colliding with a truck is exceptionally terrifying, as the resulting damages are usually much more serious than those in accidents involving cars and smaller vehicles. The average car weighs about 4,000 pounds, whereas a truck weighs more than 30,000 pounds. This implies that the impact of the hit is mighty, and the consequences are likely to be lethal for the smaller automobile. Moreover, the truck driver is located much higher than a car driver, which makes the experience even more intimidating. Truck accidents are typically the result of a human error made by the driver of the truck or the other vehicle.

Truck Accidents Attorney in Hernando FL elaborates the top five causes of roadside accidents caused by these large commercial vehicles:

1. Inadequate Training

It takes ample hours of training before a driver is enabled to take control of such a large commercial vehicle. Unfortunately, many drivers lie their way into the job or their employer lets them drive the truck without providing the necessary drill. Inexperienced drivers are prone to slip up and perform poorly if the traffic conditions are not ideal. Unsuitable weather, such as raining, snow fall, and fog may cause them even greater panic.

2. Lack of Vehicle Maintenance

Freight companies have a duty to inspect each truck before it is approved to hit the road, yet many do not comply. Most trucking companies are inclined to save costs and time associated with maintenance, whilst maximizing operations. A truck that is not regularly serviced or runs on defected spare parts is basically a disaster on wheels. If an accident occurs, multiple parties may be liable for the damages; these include the company owner, parts manufacturer, and the supervisor/mechanic responsible for upkeep and repairs.

3. Hectic Schedules and Driver Fatigue

Driving a gigantic commercial vehicle, such as a truck is a stressful job. Employers frequently issue deadlines for delivering goods to a particular destination. More than often, the time frame is too tight and that means the driver will have nearly no time to rest on a long and arduous journey. The driver may get too tired to fully concentrate on the road and avoid dozing off; the fatigue and delayed reaction time elevates the probability of a crash. Sometimes when drivers are running out of time, they may pursue dangerous maneuvers, like speeding and overhauling in the worst possible scenarios.  

4. Use of Drugs/Alcohol on the Job

You would be surprised to learn that drug abuse and consumption of alcohol is not uncommon among truck drivers while they are on the clock. According to a recent survey, 30% of truck drivers in the United States confessed to using amphetamines at work. Another 20% admitted that they smoked marijuana during trips, and 3% depended on cocaine for stimulation. Drivers claimed that the mentioned substances helped them stay awake, but in reality the resulting high also encourages them to take greater risks on the road. Once the effect of the stimulant wears off, the drivers are highly susceptible to drift off.

5. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a global issue, and smartphones are largely to blame. Any activity that diverts the driver’s attention from the wheel and path ahead instigates distracted driving. Travelling long distances that entails days of driving often gets boring for truck drivers. They are compelled to send messages, call a friend/family member, toy with the radio, eat/drink something, or entertain themselves with the phone while driving. At times, a minute of lost focus is all it takes to cause a terrible truck accident.