Truck accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries and death. If you have ever found yourself in such situations, you know it is terrifying and overwhelming. You should hire a truck accident attorney following such an incident to secure fair compensation for your losses. The complexities of these cases require extensive experience to get the compensation you deserve. Before that, understanding the causes of truck accidents will raise awareness for everyone on the road and help reduce accidents. In this blog, we will discuss one of the significant causes of truck accidents, HOS violations, and other causes of truck accidents.
What are Hours of Service (HOS) Violations?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) strictly regulates the number of hours a truck driver may be on the road. These regulations aim to reduce fatigue and the associated risks of accidents caused by drowsy driving. Drivers are allowed to drive a maximum of 11 hours in a 14-hour workday, following at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty, and they must take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 hours without interruption
However, HOS violations occur when drivers exceed these limits, often due to pressure from their employers to meet tight delivery schedules. When drivers push their limits and operate beyond the hours allowed, it can impair their judgment, reaction time, and overall driving ability, greatly increasing the risk of a serious accident.
Other Causes of Truck Accidents
While HOS violations are a significant factor, they are not the only cause of truck accidents. Below are some other leading causes of truck-related crashes:
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is also a cause of truck accidents. Drivers who drive for hours may use their phones, eat, or otherwise distract themselves from driving. With big and heavy commercial trucks, a few seconds of distraction can result in catastrophe. Although hands-free phones are required federally, compliance is not always guaranteed.
2. Driving Under the Influence
The trucking industry has a big problem when it comes to people driving drunk or drugged up. Large vehicles operated by impaired drivers reduce reaction time and impair judgment. Therefore, authorities enforce strict regulations on substance use. However, it is not uncommon, and when it happens, it puts everyone on the road in grave danger.
3. Fatigued Driving
Fatigue, beyond HOS violations, is a persistent problem because of demanding scheduling and insufficient rest breaks. When you are tired, you are less alert and more likely to make the kinds of errors that lead to accidents. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), driver fatigue is involved in 30–40% of heavy truck accidents.
4. Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Companies are responsible for maintaining their fleets. Sometimes, companies require adequate maintenance after implementing a cost-cutting measure. Worn tires, faulty brakes, and malfunctioning lights can all lead to accidents. Hence, companies must regularly inspect and repair trucks to ensure they run safely on the road.
5. Insufficient Training
Running a commercial truck is extremely demanding. Training programs need to be more rigorous and long enough to effectively train drivers to the level required for real-world applications. Undertrained drivers often need to learn to behave in adverse conditions or properly tie in the cargo, increasing the risk of accidents.
6. Speeding
One of the big problems for truck drivers is trying to speed up to meet deadlines. Speeding impedes a driver’s reaction time and expands stopping distances, both fundamental aspects when piloting large vehicles. Because of the force involved in speed-related accidents, they normally cause severe damage.
7. Insecure Loads
Insecure loads are improperly secured cargo that can result in a shift during transit, unbalancing the truck, causing it to tip over, and even rollovers. Trucking companies and drivers must strictly follow loading guidelines to prevent such happenings.
8. Adverse Weather Conditions
Rain, fog, snow, and ice all create road conditions that more than double the chances of accidents. Due to reduced visibility and slippery roads, trucks cannot operate safely. Weather conditions demand extra precautions by drivers and alterations in driving habits.
Conclusion
Knowing what causes track accidents is crucial to preventing future truck accidents and, more importantly, to hold people accountable when they occur. Suppose you or someone you know is involved in a truck crash. In that case, it is key to note that having the best truck accident lawyer can help you get legal representation and remuneration for your injuries and losses.
