No one wants to be in a truck accident, especially if he or she is in a smaller vehicle that gets hit by one. However, not many people know the details of what causes truck crashes. Understanding those causes is very important in order to be able to prevent accidents.
One set of causes involves sudden physical problems, like if the driver loses control of the truck due to a tire blowout, the hood flying up or an engine problem. Any of these events can cause the driver to lose control, and may be classified as disabling or non-disabling failure of the vehicle.
Of course, truck crashes also happen for reasons outside of the truck. For example, a different vehicle may get in the truck’s way, by unexpectedly slowing down if ahead on the road or by swerving into the truck’s lane. Bad weather and bad road conditions are also significant causes of truck crashes. Objects on the road, including glass, metal and trash, also have a deleterious effect.
There are additional reasons that track back to the driver, like maneuvering the truck improperly during turns and when going through intersections. Some drivers also get too close to the edge of the road and wind up veering off of it. Driver fatigue is also a serious factor, especially since many drivers go for too long at a stretch without taking sufficient breaks and getting enough rest.
When these causes are understood, drivers of trucks can do their best to preclude them. Those they share the roads with can also be doubly sure to keep a safe distance in order to protect their own vehicle and those in it. If you are in a truck accident, make sure to seek out the help that you need and be informed of your rights.
Source: NationalOwnerOperatorJobs.com, “Truck Driving Accidents – Causes, Fatalities, Statistics and Costs,” accessed Nov. 03, 2015