Top Causes of Trucking Accidents

Commercial trucking accidents can occur anywhere and often are more dangerous than car accidents involving personal vehicles, considering the size and weight of commercial trucks. In part one of our trucking accident series, we will delve into the most common causes for these collisions and the statistics surrounding them.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Many factors can be involved in commercial trucking collisions, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found the following ten factors as the most common contributors to these crashes:

• brake problems

• traffic flow interruption

• prescription drug use

• traveling too fast for conditions

• unfamiliarity with roadway

• roadway problems

• required stops (traffic control and crosswalks)

• over-the-counter drug use

• inadequate surveillance

• fatigue

Other potential issues include inclement weather, driving errors, poor vehicle maintenance, and improper cargo loading.

Not only do truck drivers need to be vigilant to avoid collisions, but minor errors caused by drivers of passenger vehicles also often cause traffic accidents with large trucks. Here are a few of the most common unsafe acts committed by drivers of passenger vehicles that result in accidents with large trucks:

• driving in blind spot areas where truck drivers cannot see small vehicles

• abruptly changing lanes

• unsafe passing

• driving between large trucks

• improper merging

• making a left turn in front of a truck after misjudging the truck’s speed at an intersection

• moving to the right of a truck that is making a right turn

Factors Involved in Truck Driving

When cargo shifts inside a truck or falls off it, whether someone was negligent depends on the facts. An investigation may look at how the load was placed and secured, who loaded and checked it, what shifted or fell, and which rules applied to that truck and trip. Cargo that shifts inside a truck can startle the driver and cause a swerve. Cargo that falls off a truck can be even more dangerous. If objects fall off a truck and cause a collision, report it to law enforcement. If you were hurt in one of these situations, we recommend talking with an experienced trucking accident lawyer.

Truck driving involves several elements, such as training, experience, vehicle design, travel conditions, and traffic signaling. This does not take into account some of the things that can go wrong, such as tire blowouts and brake failure. As mentioned previously, FMCSA crash experts rarely conclude that crashes are the result of a single factor. Because of this, it’s important that every driver – truck driver or personal vehicle driver – be aware of your surroundings and the factors within your control, such as wearing a seatbelt and slowing down when necessary.

Trucking Accident Data and Statistics

2015 featured a 5% increase in trucking fatalities, which grew to a 6% increase in 2016. Thankfully, FMCSA statistics at least gives hope to Kansas and Missouri. Ten stages accounted for over half of fatal crashes involving large trucks and buses; none of which were Kansas or Missouri. The ten states were California, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

Kansas Department of Transportation statistics show the total number of large truck accidents was down significantly in 2017 from ten years ago. 2007 had a reported 3,872 total crashes, while 2017 only had 3,103 crashes. Unfortunately, the number of fatalities rose slightly from 2016 to 2017, but injuries and property damage only (PDO) fell. Check out the full table below.

Data conducted by: Kansas Department of Transportation

Moving Forward: Reducing Risks

As you can see, some trucking accident statistics are on the rise. FMCSA efforts continue to be made to make trucking regulations safer for both truck drivers and drivers of other vehicles on the road. For example, regulations on driving hours are updated frequently to ensure truck drivers receive adequate rest before hitting the road again.

FMCSA officials recently shared a prototype truck displaying a new multiview camera system that would replace the large side mirrors on semi-trucks. Two large trucking companies, Freightliner and Peterbilt, are currently testing the new camera system alongside the conventional mirror trucks. The new camera system would provide better surveillance around the vehicle to warn of potential collisions. Removing the large bulky mirrors would also make the trucks more aerodynamic, reducing fuel consumption by 2 to 3 percent.

Hiring a Trucking Accident Attorney

If you are the victim of a motor vehicle crash involving a truck, the attorneys at Biesterveld & Crook, LLC are here to help. Whether you are a truck driver or were injured due to a truck driver’s negligence, we offer free consultations for all injured parties. Call or click here to set up your free initial meeting today. We are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve!

Check out part two of our series to get answers to the most common FAQ’s about commercial trucking accidents.