Why Semi-Truck Accidents Are So Common

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.

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Common Truck Maintenance Procedures

Part of successfully insuring your truck is making sure that you avoid accidents. Obviously, the reason you choose premium commercial truck insurance is so that you do not have to worry about getting out of a sticky situation when you do need it.

But there are precautions you can take that will help prevent an accident from ever happening, so that you will not have to deal with filling out forms, getting your truck repaired, having your claims checked, or recovering from an injury.

Here are some common truck maintenance procedures that will help relieve long-term stress.

1) Change the oil: Sometimes, the simplest things cause the most trouble. While every automobile requires its oil to be changed, it is often ignored. And commercial vehicles are pushed even harder than private ones, making this trivial task even more essential. A good rule of thumb is to change the oil every 2 to 3 thousand miles with high quality motor oil.

2) Rotate and replace tires: One of the most dangerous accidents occurs when large semi-trucks blow a tire and skid off the road. Without proper traction, it is difficult for the truck driver to control, and semis can cause a lot of damage to fellow drivers. Rotate tires every 3,000 miles, which will give the auto-mechanic an opportunity to check the brakes and brake pads as well. In addition, you can check the air pressure on a weekly basis to ensure it meets standards. When tread gets worn down, replace the tires before an accident happens.

3) Change the transmission fluid: When hauling a load, transmissions wear out faster than a normal car, nearly ½ the rate. Changing the transmission fluid and filter are an important procedure to prevent this from occurring. It is recommended that you change fluid every 25,000 miles, in order to prevent having to replace the entire transmission.

4) Check coolants: Commercial trucks run more frequently without stopping, making them overheat more regularly. Automatic transmissions require even more attentions. Check your coolants on a normal basis.

5) Do not rely on computers or scheduled maintenance: Modern truck have computers on-board that tell you when situations arise, fluids must be changed, and the engine needs to be checked. But don't let a blinking light on your dashboard dictate when you perform truck maintenance. Also, some drivers wait for scheduled appointments with mechanics. This may let a problem sneak through the cracks, only to rear its ugly head at an unfortunate time. Don't rely on schedules or computers, perform regular maintenance.

Commercial Truck Insurance

With these tips, hopefully you can take better care of your truck maintenance and prevent a major accident that may raise your cost for commercial truck insurance. Speak to your truck insurance provider for more details.

Patrick Winchester is a freelance writer with info about commercial truck insurance. For more details on trucking insurance policies, visit http://royaltytruckinsurance.com/ to learn about coverage options.

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Common Tax Deductions for Owner Operator Truck Drivers

Filing taxes is never a pleasant event for most people, but one that is necessary. Most owner operators have a variety of different expenses they incur during the course of their business that they can deduct. Taking the time to do so means they end up paying less income taxes.

You will be able to depreciate the value of your truck over the course of several years. The amount you can take depends on the purchase price of the equipment. If you sell a truck or trailer during the year you should know that you will have to count that is income because you have already taken some of the depreciation on the equipment. You will also be able to deduct the interest you pay on your truck payments and trailer payments. You aren’t allowed to deduct the actual payments though, only the interest portion.

There are often tolls and fees for scales that truck drivers have to pay along their routes. These fees can be deducted as well. Make sure you keep track of what you pay for showers, truck parts, maintenance, and repairs. All of these items are deductible. You don’t need to keep your receipts for meals because the government gives you a per diem rate that you can claim. You need to make sure you keep track of the number of days you are out over the road though so you can figure the deduction.

Clothing can’t be deducted unless it is specifically for work related services. For example you can claim a bright orange vest and a hard hat that are required to be in a construction zone you may be delivering materials for. However, you can’t claim your jeans, tennis shoes, and shirts because they aren’t considered to be a required uniform for work.

You also can’t claim any traffic tickets or attorney fees you have to pay in order to fight tickets. Many truck drivers have attempted to deduct these expenses on their tax return. The result is they end up getting a bill from the IRS telling them they owe more money. In some instances there are fees and penalties assessed as well.

Fuel is the most common expense that truck drivers incur. Make sure you keep a close eye on those receipts because each one will likely be worth $100 or more. Losing these different receipts can really add up during the course of a year, and that means you will have to pay more income tax.

The use of a cell phone and a laptop are often common items truck drivers use. However you can only claim half of the cost of them because the government has the opinion that both of them will be used for recreational use as well as for business. Any maps, notebooks, pens, log books, or other items you buy specifically to use in your truck are deductible.

You do have to be careful though as there is a line between what is necessary and what is a luxury. For example you can deduct the cost of a special seat for your truck that is ergonomically correct. You can also deduct the cost of a refrigerator for your truck. Yet you can’t deduct a new stereo system or the customized curtains you buy to decorate your cab with.

The various tax deductions for owner operator truck drivers need to be carefully looked at. If you have a tax preparer they can take care of it for you. Make sure you keep all of your receipts together. It is a good idea to have a large envelope for each month of the year. This way you only have to provide your tax preparer with the figures instead of with the actual receipts. Keep them in a safe location for at least three years in case you end up getting audited by the IRS.