Truck accidents are a common occurrence around the world. These accidents can range from minor to fatal, but they can also happen to you in a number of different ways. A truck accident could cause you injury, serious damage, or death, so you must understand the increased risk factors and take precautions accordingly. And after you are involved in a truck accident, it is also essential to speak to a truck accident attorney for more information.
Many different factors can increase the risk of a truck accident. The more you know about these factors, the more likely you are to be able to prevent them from happening.
So, here are the top 5 factors that increase the risk of truck accidents.
- Driver negligence
Truck drivers are notorious for being careless when it comes to driving. These careless driving habits can lead to devastating accidents involving truck drivers and their passengers, so it is important that you know how to spot a dangerous driver. Reckless truck drivers may cut off vehicles on the highway, fail to follow traffic laws, and speed limits. They may also drive erratically through residential areas or parking lots.
- Improper loading
Proper loading is crucial to the safety of truck drivers and their passengers. Truck drivers are required by law to ensure that their cargo is properly loaded and secured on the truck. If a truck’s load becomes unbalanced, it can cause serious damage or even a fatal accident for everyone involved. Improperly loaded cargo can affect the stability of the truck, which in turn, leads to poor braking, engine failure, and loss of control.
- Speeding
Speeding is a leading factor in many fatal truck accidents. At high speeds, even the smallest mistake can cause a truck driver to lose control. Speeding is also dangerous for other motorists, as it can lead to sudden braking or swerving to avoid an accident.
- Violation of laws
Federal regulations require truck drivers to follow certain laws, including speed limits, traffic laws, and safety precautions. Truck drivers who fail to follow these rules can be fined for their reckless driving behavior.
- Substance abuse
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is against the law in most states. Refusing to take sobriety tests is a crime in all states. Other signs of substance abuse include weaving, driving at erratic speeds, and carrying an open container of alcohol.
