What Are The Major Causes Of 18-Wheeler Accidents?
What Are The Major Causes Of 18-Wheeler Accidents? Table of Contents What Are The Major Causes Of 18-Wheeler Accidents? Introduction Common Causes Of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents On Highways Driver-related causes Vehicle-related causes Weather/environment-related causes Operational or external factors What Causes Most 18-Wheeler Crashes in the U.S.? How driver fatigue contributes to 18-wheeler crashes Signs of a fatigued driver Factors contributing to driver fatigue Driver negligence as a cause of 18-wheeler accidents What’s driver negligence in an 18-wheeler collision? Examples of driver negligence Speeding and reckless driving by truck drivers Lack of driver training causing 18-wheeler collisions Truck driver distraction from GPS or radio use Unsafe lane changes by 18-wheeler drivers Leading Reasons Behind 18-Wheeler Accidents and Collisions Complexities in operating commercial vehicles like an 18-wheeler Mechanical failure leading to 18-wheeler truck wrecks Human error Poor truck maintenance causing 18-wheeler accidents Inadequate vehicle inspection before long-haul trips Vehicle inspection checklist for 18-wheelers Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks causing accidents Dangers of overloaded or improperly loaded trucks How overloaded or improperly loaded trucks lead to accidents Weather-Related Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents Common weather conditions that lead to semi-truck accidents Driver responsibility in bad weather Other key points to remember Blind Spot Errors Leading to 18-Wheeler Side-Impact Crashes The four major blind spots in 18-wheelers Why blind spots are more dangerous Blind spot accident liability Blind spots leading to side-swipe collisions What Can Be Done to Avoid the Risk of 18-Wheeler Accidents? Proper training for truck drivers Adhere to legal driving hours Regular tests for impaired driving Proper maintenance of vehicles Tips for Sharing the Roads and Reducing Accidents Ensure a safe following distance Stay out of blind spots Slow down Don’t cut trucks off Let trucks turn Protecting Your Rights After an 18-Wheeler Accident Legal support and compensation Final thoughts 18-wheeler trucks are crucial in transporting goods across the nation. However, they are dangerous due to their sheer size and weight. Hence, if these vehicles are involved in an accident, the consequences can be deadly. With so many 18-wheelers and other large trucks moving through the roads of Riverhead, New York, accidents are unfortunately common. In such cases, consulting a New York truck accident lawyer can help victims understand their legal rights, gather crucial evidence, and pursue rightful compensation. It is therefore important to understand the causes behind these accidents and how to prevent them. This blog focuses on ‘What are the major causes of 18-wheeler accidents? Read on to know why such accidents happen and know the ways to stay safe on the road and navigate the aftermath of the accident. Common Causes Of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents On Highways There are several reasons for an 18-wheeler truck accident. Though the major causes fall on driver error, other reasons, such as operational and external factors, weather and road conditions, still contribute to a significant number of accidents on highways. Let’s see some common causes here: Driver-related causes: Driver Fatigue Distracted Driving Over speeding Poor training Impaired driving Cellphones & Text Messaging Aggressive/reckless driving Vehicle-related causes: Tire blowouts Poor Vehicle Maintenance Defective parts or equipment failure Improperly loaded cargo Weather/environment-related causes: Poorly maintained roads Bad weather conditions Lighting issues Operational or External factors Blind spots Pressure from employers Violating regulations Underride collisions What causes most 18-wheeler crashes in the U.S? Large commercial trucks that include 18-wheelers and semi-trucks contribute to nearly 13% of overall motor vehicle collisions in the U.S. If an 18-wheeler accident happens, it results in catastrophic consequences, often ending up in major injuries or fatalities. One of the major causes for most 18-wheeler crashes in the U.S is Driver fatigue. Unlike other drivers, truck drivers typically spend weeks on the road and have tight delivery schedules and limited rest hours. However, the FMCSA Hours of Service rules limit driving shifts and require taking mandatory rest breaks. However, often these guidelines are violated by some trucking companies and drivers. How driver fatigue contributes to 18-wheeler crashes? As per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 13% of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers causing accidents are found to be fatigued at the time of collision. Signs of a fatigued driver Drowsy driving Physical or mental exhaustion Decreased reaction time Reduced focus levels on the road Drifting into other lanes/off the road Impaired decision making Factors contributing to driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel Not having sound sleep Poor working and road conditions Medications and health issues Ineffective fatigue management Tight schedules and expectations of employers push drivers to violate rules, speed to their destinations without enough breaks or rest hours. This causes physical and mental pressure and stress to drivers, ultimately increasing the risk of an accident. Driver negligence as a cause of 18-wheeler accidents The negligence of the 18-wheelers can turn 80,000-pound trucks into dangerous incidents. Operating a commercial vehicle like an 18-wheeler or truck is a complicated task that requires specialized skills and focus. If the drivers skip safety guidelines and act negligently, it can lead to major crashes on the highways of Riverhead, New York. What’s driver negligence in an 18-wheeler collision? If the driver fails to drive safely and it results in serious injuries and damages to another vehicle and person, it is the driver’s negligence. Proving the driver’s negligence is an important aspect in claiming compensation for truck accident claims. Examples of driver negligence Not adhering to the service laws Changing lanes without checking blind spots Drunk driving Using cell phones while driving Speeding Speeding and reckless driving by truck drivers Speeding is dangerous with any vehicle. It is still more dangerous with 18-wheelers. FMCSA indicates that speeding remains a major factor, and it contributes to 23% of accidents in a year. Speeding and reckless driving include: Exceeding the posted speed limit Fast driving in traffic or weather conditions Pushing maximum speed Aggressive driving Not adjusting for road hazards, curves, gradients or traffic congestion Lack of driver training is causing 18-wheeler collisions Drivers require special driving skills to operate a large commercial vehicle. When
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