Everyone who drives a truck knows that trucks are large and heavy, taking up more space than your average vehicle. Because of this, it’s even more important to take all safety precautions and take the time to do your best to avoid truck accidents.
Here are the top 7 common errors that cause truck accidents
- Speeding and Overtaking
Speed is one of the most important factors in truck accidents because it is often the truck driver’s fault. In a truck, the best speed to go is 25 to 35 miles per hour, so you need to be even more careful when driving exceeds that limit. Speeding and overtaking also increase the risk of hitting another vehicle, colliding with objects on the road, and causing other accidents. Instead, use your lights and mirrors to signal oncoming traffic and slow down when approaching a red light or stop sign.
- Omitting or Misinterpreting Signs and Signals
Drivers need to take the time to read and interpret all traffic signs and signals when driving. If you see something that looks wrong, by all means, slow down and go around it. For example, if you are approaching a yellow light or sign, slow down so that you can ensure the intersection is clear before proceeding. Truck accident lawyers at Nicoletti Walker Accident Injury Lawyers explain that most fatal truck accidents occur when a driver fails to obey a traffic sign or light.
- Fail to Use Turn Signals
If you are changing lanes, turning, or going through an intersection, you need to use your turn signals. When you make a mistake, other drivers and pedestrians will not expect what is happening, which can lead to a truck accident. It could be very costly if someone is injured because of negligence. This applies to intersections and when turning around, indicate the move by using your turn signals.
- Poor Training and Maintenance
Truck accidents are often due to truck driver error, and one of the most common reasons is poor training. If a trucker has not been properly trained and is not maintaining their truck, mistakes will be made, leading to an accident. Things like congested traffic, heavy loads, and bad weather can cause you to become distracted while driving a truck. It’s important that you are paying attention but even more important that your equipment is in the best shape possible.
- Improper Cargo Loading
A common truck accident is when an object falls or rolls off the truck, causing damage or injury to those in the area. Improperly securing your load can cause accidents by bouncing around while driving or falling off to hit other cars. Make sure your cargo is properly strapped down, and if it is heavy, ask for help putting it into place.
- Driver Fatigue
Staying awake when driving your truck can be challenging, especially if you don’t have the right accommodations or are working long hours. If you are tired, the last thing you want to do is get behind the wheel of a large truck. If there is any way that you can arrange a ride home, take it. If not, try to get some sleep before your shift. Being overtired and distracted while driving can lead to accidents in your lane or others’ lanes of traffic.
- Dangerous Driving Habits
Another truck accident can be caused by a driver who makes poor decisions on the road. For example, using your cellphone or eating while behind the wheel can lead to an accident. If you need to use your phone, pull over or try to do it where there is no traffic. Also, don’t eat while driving; no matter how slow you think you are going, it’s never safe to eat while you’re behind the wheel.
Conclusion
The last thing you want to do is end up in a truck accident. A truck accident should be avoided because it can cause serious injuries and even death. By taking the time to understand how to avoid these common truck accidents, you will be less likely to cause an accident and ensure that you are doing everything in your power to keep yourself and others safe.
