Collisions between passenger vehicles and big rigs can lead to serious injuries or death. Drivers in California should know that driver error is not the only reason behind truck accidents, even if it is the most frequent cause. There are four others that are especially common.
5 frequent causes of big rig accidents
Critics say the NHTSA should act to make trucks safer
People in California may be more likely to be in fatal accidents involving large trucks than with other types of vehicles. The accident fatality rate for large trucks is nearly three times more than that of other vehicles. In 2017, more than 4,000 people died in accidents involving large trucks, an increase of 28% since 2009. Most of the fatalities were people in other vehicles, but 17% were people in the trucks and 14% were pedestrians or people on bikes or motorcycles.
Operation Safe Driver Week and negligent drivers
In California and across the United States, failure to wear seat belts frequently causes trucking accidents and car crashes. The CVSA's Operation Safe Driver Week took place from July 14 to July 20, 2019. The event focused on drivers who speed and commit other violations. With nearly 47,000 motor vehicle citations and approximately 88,000 warnings issued to drivers, CVSA officials stated that drivers are responsible for 95 percent of truck accidents and automobile collisions. As a result of the study, law enforcement officers plan to help drivers prevent accidents.
Government promoting truck safety technologies
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is teaming up with the trucking industry to encourage the use of advanced driver assistance systems in commercial fleets. The move is designed to make roadways safer in California and across the United States.
Study finds number of sleep-deprived truck drivers increasing
Many truck drivers in California and across the U.S. aren't getting enough sleep, according to a new study by researchers at Ball State University. Unfortunately, the problem appears to be getting worse.
U.S. slow to mandate life-saving truck side guards
Research shows that installing side guards on trucks could save lives in California and across the country. However, the U.S. government has been slow to mandate the safety feature's use by the U.S. trucking industry.
The Trump administration wants to let truckers drive longer hours
If the Trump Administration gets its way, truck drivers in California and across the U.S. will be able to work longer shifts. However, the National Transportation Safety Board says that truck driver fatigue is a major hazard on U.S. roads.
Brake Safety Week takes aim at commercial trucks
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will conduct Brake Safety Week in California and across North America Sept. 15-21. During the initiative, CVSA officials will inspect commercial trucks and other vehicles to ensure they are free of critical brake violations.
Untreated sleep apnea puts truckers at risk
With trucking being such a high-stress industry, it's important that truckers get a sufficient amount of rest each night. Unfortunately, many truckers have a condition called obstructive sleep apnea, which, if left untreated, makes them five times more likely to crash than drivers who received treatment. California residents should know that between 17% and 28% of the 1.87 million nonfarming commercial truckers have at least a mild form of obstructive sleep apnea.
Speed limiters may soon be required in all new trucks
A bipartisan Senate bill may soon affect thousands of truck drivers in California and across the country. The bill, Cullum Owings Large Truck Safe Operating Speed Act of 2019, was developed by a Democratic and Republican senator. It would require that all newly produced Class 7 and Class 8 trucks be installed with speed-limiting devices.
