Often exceeding 80,000 pounds and moving at 60 mph, a big rig truck is truly an accident waiting to happen. There are virtually endless scenarios that could cause a semi-truck to crash and some really aren't avoidable. Weather often plays an important role in the safety of truck drivers and other motorists sharing the road. While the number of incidences may be high, let's look at some of the most common causes of accidents.
Rear-ending another vehicle is a common occurrence for the big-rig driver. Riding saddle over many tons of hardened steel, all it takes to be in an accident is a clueless driver changing lanes in front of the truck and then hitting the brakes. The truck driver can't possibly rein in the enormous weight of his rig in time to avoid collision and the resulting damage is often devastating. Inattentiveness on the big-rig driver's part is also a major player in the rear-end accidents. Long hours on the road, eating and cell phone use are all distractions that can increase the odds of a rear-end disaster.
Poorly maintained trucks are a real problem on the highways. Worn tires and brakes are the cause for many of the worst accidents. Trucks navigating steep declines with faulty brake pads and tires are just asking for trouble. Without top notch brakes and tires, drivers can soon become helpless observers as the brakes fade away and the truck becomes a missile, barreling down the highway, unable to slow or stop.
Drug use among big-rig drivers is just as prevalent as it is with the rest of the driving population. Whether trying to stay awake during a long haul or being addicted to pain-killers from a past injury, drivers under the influence are one of the most dangerous menaces on the road. Drivers with drug problems are urged to seek help and stay off the road until their problems have been successfully addressed.
It doesn't matter how good the driver is if the load he's hauling isn't properly loaded and secured. We've all experienced bouncing rocks from the truck ahead of us and it can do much worse damage than the occasional cracked windshield. An overloaded or improperly secured load can create sheer mayhem if the load falls from the truck onto the highway. Even if the load only shifts and doesn't fall out, the change in weight distribution could cause the truck itself to become susceptible to tipping over.
Weather plays a big role in the safety of all drivers and big-rig drivers specifically. Low visibility means that slamming on the brakes becomes more common and if driving on icy or wet roads, chances of stopping in time to avoid a major collision are slim. Rain, snow and black ice are three of the trucker's worst nightmares. The rig's shear weight, combined with a slick road surface greatly increases the odds of an accident occurring.
The invisible truck syndrome is a too-common, avoidable problem in the trucking world. Reflectors and reflective tape are federal requirements on all trucks, but road grime and age often dull the reflectors effectiveness, making the truck hard to see. If a truck hasn't pulled entirely off the roadway, the chances of collision by a passing motorist skyrockets.
Even in daylight, trucks are routinely hit when not properly removed from the driving lanes. Hitting a parked semi is one of the most destructive scenes imaginable.
Due to the damage done by big-rig accidents and the high number of fatalities involved, it is imperative that drivers take the time to inspect their vehicles before each trip, allow ample time to reach their destination and always stay alert while driving.
When a semi-truck crashes with a car, the results are often catastrophic. As Maryland truck accident lawyers, Our main goal is to make sure our clients and their families are very well protected as they suffer through the aftermath of a truck accident. Call a Maryland truck accident attorney today to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
