Semi-truck collisions are among the most devastating crashes possible. The massive size of a semi-truck makes it capable of causing severe damage to smaller vehicles and major injuries to their occupants.
Drivers generally want to avoid all crashes, but limiting the risk of a semi-truck crash can be particularly important. When people understand what causes semi-truck crashes, they can more effectively protect themselves in traffic. The following are the leading causes of semi-truck collisions.
The actions of other drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) tracks and analyzes collisions involving semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. A report on these crashes indicates that slightly less than half of them occur due to mistakes made by other drivers. Frequently, the mistakes that drivers make involve getting too close to a semi-truck. They drive in the blind spots around the vehicle or cut it off when turning or merging. Giving semi-trucks as much space as possible can help drivers avoid a scenario in which they cause a wreck.
Poor professional decision-making
Commercial drivers have specialized licenses and more training than other drivers. However, they are still capable of making mistakes. Driving too close to other vehicles or at excessive speeds are among the dangerous decisions made by semi-truck operators that cause many crashes.
Recognition errors and distraction
Sometimes, semi-truck drivers cause crashes by failing to monitor their surroundings appropriately. They may interact with a personal mobile device or a dispatch device provided by an employer. They might eat or drink while driving. Commercial drivers failing to notice others in traffic is another top cause of preventable wrecks.
Non-performance
Being on the road for hours at a time could lead to a driver falling asleep at the wheel. A career in trucking can also cause a variety of medical challenges that might result in a driver having an emergency while on the road. A small but still noteworthy percentage of semi-truck collisions occur specifically because the driver of the commercial truck becomes incapable of operating the vehicle.
Vehicle issues
According to the FMCSA, roughly 1 in 10 collisions caused by semi-trucks occur due to issues with the vehicle. Perhaps a trailer has imbalanced weight distribution, and there is a jackknife incident in traffic. Maybe multiple tires blow out due to a trucking company delaying their replacement. When a truck isn’t in optimal operating condition, major crashes can occur.
Determining the cause of a semi-truck crash is the first step toward pursuing compensation after a wreck. Those affected by semi-truck collisions may need help identifying who is liable and holding them accountable for the consequences of a crash, and that’s okay.
