Millions of people across the US rely on the roads for their daily activities. Road users may drive to take the kids to school, to reach their place of employment or simply to meet up with their loved ones.
Unfortunately, road traffic accidents are a fairly frequent occurrence. There is always a risk of injury in any vehicle collision, but a great threat is present when accidents involve large trucks and commercial vehicles. Trucks are typically far larger than their counterparts, so the injuries that result from a truck accident can be catastrophic.
As a result, it is worth considering some of the common causes of truck accidents. Three of these include:
Work-related deadlines
Typically, truck operators are required to reach a destination by a certain time. Drivers are aware that customers rely on their service and any delay may impact their employment evaluation. Research suggests that thousands of truck accidents occur each year because drivers have succumbed to work-related pressures.
Brake failures
Studies indicate that brake malfunctions are a contributing factor in up to 30% of truck accidents. Faults may be the result of manufacturing defects, mechanical errors or simply a failure to maintain the vehicle appropriately.
Driver fatigue
Driver fatigue is a significant problem in the United States, particularly when focussing on commercial operations. Drivers can become tired for numerous reasons, but fatigue is often a symptom of long working schedules and a lack of adequate sleep. Operating a vehicle while tired can result in becoming distracted and may significantly decrease a driver’s reaction times in the event that something goes wrong.
Understanding the common causes of truck accidents could be beneficial to you. If you have been injured in a road traffic accident, there might be legal options available to you that can help you recover your losses.