Did You Know: The #1 Cause of Truck Accidents is Truck Driver Error?

Truck driver error is the leading cause of truck accidents, which often leave victims severely injured or dead. A detailed study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reveals that negligent truck drivers are a danger on the roads, and the number one cause of truck accidents and fatalities. Error, thus accidents, can occur when the truck driver:

1. Drives while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medications;
2. Drives while sleep deprived. Truck drivers are permitted to work a maximum of 14 hours per day, but are only permitted to drive a maximum of 11 hours. The driver must be off duty for 10 consecutive hours prior to the start of the shift. The driver also is not permitted to drive after being on duty for 70 hours and 8 consecutive days. Still, many drivers find ways to skirt around these regulations, or do not get the rest they need between shifts. Driving while sleep deprived can be as dangerous as driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
3. Drives too fast for conditions. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations require truck drivers to keep proper distances and speeds due to challenge of stopping a 65,000-pound semi-truck tractor. Weather conditions, traffic congestion and other unique circumstances could require the truck driver to travel even more slowly and cautiously. Drivers responsible for delivering a load by a certain deadline may ignore these precautions, and these decisions often can result in serious, sometimes fatal, accidents.
4. Fails to brake properly. Like many drivers on the road, truck drivers often can be aggressive on the road, and pressing deadlines may make the drive too fast for the conditions and rely too heavily on their brakes to reduce speed. Unlike other drivers on the highways, however, truck drivers take a greater risk when they drive aggressively and/or rely on their brakes. Stopping a 65,000-pound, unstable vehicle is not easy, and the consequences for miscalculating often are unforgiving, leading to serious injury and even death to innocent parties.
5. Improperly loads cargo. Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transport and force the vehicle out of control. Drivers in a hurry to make their tight deadlines can get careless when they are preparing their loads for transport. These mistakes can lead to serious, and sometimes fatal, consequences.

If you have been injured in an accident you believe to be the result of truck driver error, contact NTAA immediately to discuss your rights. We can help you obtain the compensation you need for your recovery, and to hold a careless truck driver accountable for his or her actions.

Call National Truck Accident Attorneys Now.
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