Do you like driving trucks? Do you often use them to haul heavy freight around? If you do, you know how hazardous they can be.
Trucks can cause tremendous damage to you and your passengers. Fortunately, many accidents involving trucks are preventable.
Below, we’ve provided our own list of some of the most common causes of truck accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, take a moment to examine today’s list.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major contributor to truck accidents. Drivers of large trucks often have to multitask and use phones, eat, drink, or use other technology while operating their vehicles.
Many of these activities distract drivers from paying proper attention to the road. This can then cause them to lose control of the vehicle.
As such, it is essential that all truck drivers pay full attention to the road. Refrain from distracting activities while behind the wheel.
- Mechanical Malfunction
In particular, trucks can easily suffer from large-scale mechanical issues caused by a lack of regular maintenance and inspection. Problems such as braking, turning, and stability can be caused by misalignment, worn tires, and other underlying faults.
Such mechanical problems can lead to all kinds of accidents, including ones that result in serious road injuries and fatalities. As a result, truckers and companies must always be aware of the hidden risk factors associated with mechanical malfunction.
- Vehicle Overload
An overloaded vehicle is at risk of malfunctions and the resulting accidents that could develop due to incorrect distributions of weight and low engine power. Furthermore, when a truck is overloaded and combined with an elevated speed, the driver is continuously subjected to extreme braking as the weight is too much to handle.
This means an increased risk of brake failure and the probability of a fatal accident. The combination of the two seems like a lethal one, so it’s essential that all steps are taken to ensure a safe hauling journey by trucks.
- Reckless Driving
Truck drivers tend to be some of the most highly-skilled drivers around due to their extensive training and practice. It’s unlikely, therefore, that a truck driver would drive recklessly. Other road users, however, are often caught disrespecting speed limits, running stop signs, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which can lead to deadly outcomes. Other drivers not following the rules of the road is at the top of the list of the most common causes of truck accidents. This makes insurance vital for truck drivers, so it’s best to head to a Specialist UK HGV Insurance Broker (or similar broker wherever you are) to find the most comprehensive insurance possible.
It’s essential that truck drivers are aware of the dangers that other road users present, and take all the necessary safety precautions to avoid such incidents.
- Weather Conditions
In the case of trucking safety, weather conditions play a tremendous role in hazardous driving conditions. Increased winds and torrential rain can cause a truck to hydroplane and reduce traction.
Fogs, snow, and ice can reduce visibility and make roads slippery. This also makes cornering difficult and increases a truck’s stopping distance. Heavy precipitation can also increase the likelihood of sliding off the road or, worse, into oncoming traffic.
Ultimately, even the best and most experienced drivers have limited control when driving in adverse weather conditions, making weather conditions an unavoidable effect on trucking safety.
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Let’s Prevent Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are unfortunately very common and can have devastating effects on those involved. With large commercial motor vehicles on the roads, any accident involving a truck can be especially dangerous. Common causes of truck accidents include driver fatigue, distraction, reckless driving, and even weather conditions.
By understanding the most common causes of truck accidents and taking the necessary steps to prevent them, lives can be saved and catastrophes avoided.
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