Large commercial vehicles pose a significant threat to other drivers and passengers on the road. When a truck driver makes a mistake it can have tragic consequences for those involved.
Commercial trucking plays a major role in the transportation of consumer goods in this country, which is heavily relied upon in the manufacturing and retail industries. Since commercial trucks such as 18-wheelers deliver more than 70% of our groceries, clothing, furniture, electronics etc., big rigs are here to stay despite any threats they might impose.
Large trucks are a unique presence on the road because of their massive size. Operating a semi-truck takes a combination of both skill and experience. For this reason, commercial truck drivers are required to undergo specialized training in order to operate such vehicles and are expected to adhere to federal regulations. Even with th
e highest-quality training, truck drivers can make mistakes just like any other driver.
What are the common factors relating to truck driver negligence or recklessness? Although fatigue remains a common denominator, the statistics paint a slightly different picture. In fact, prescription drug use ranks number one at 26%, followed by travelling too fast at 23%, unfamiliar with roadway at 22%, over-the-counter drug use at 18%, inadequate surveillance at 14%, and fatigue at just 13%. As compared to the above, issues considering reckless driving such as illegal maneuver (13%), inadequate evasive action (7%) and aggressive behavior (7%) are less common factors in truck accidents.
Although training is rather extensive, perhaps more education should be directed towards the effects that both controlled substances and over-the-counter medications can have on a trucker’s ability to drive. Many people are novices when it comes to the unique interplay of illicit drugs, prescription medications and over-the-counter medications and how they affect the human body, thus how they affect a person’s ability to drive.
For example, antihistamines can make a person extremely drowsy, making them fall asleep at the wheel. On the other hand, many cold medicines contain antihistamines in order to counteract the (upper) effects of the nasal decongestants, which in turn can make the driver drowsy as well. If truck drivers have a greater understanding of the role these medications play, our roads will be safer.
Whether a trucker falls asleep at the wheel, is driving drunk or displaying a wanton disregard for human life through aggressive driving, a truck accident can be life-threatening. Unfortunately, it is not only the truck operators who are hurt in truck accidents.
In the majority of accidents, the trucker is not the one who gets injured; it’s the drivers and passengers of other vehicles involved in the collision. A small passenger car or truck is no match for a large semi-truck or other commercial vehicle. When such accidents are caused by a truck driver’s negligence or recklessness, the victims should seek fair and just compensation from the trucker’s insurance company.
A personal injury attorney will be your advocate during the claims process. They will make sure that you are not forced to accept a low-ball offer from the insurance company and they will make sure that you are not taken advantage of. The sooner you retain a lawyer, the sooner you can be on the road to recovery!
