Semi-trucks play an important role in the modern economy. The employment provided by transportation companies can be one of the best blue-collar opportunities. Businesses in a variety of sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing, rely on commercial transportation companies to bring them materials and transport their products. It is important to note that while semi-trucks are important, they can also be dangerous.
Large trucks can cause potentially devastating collisions with smaller vehicles. Drivers who understand the most common causes of semi-truck collisions may potentially reduce their chances of experiencing one. Why do commercial vehicle crashes occur?
1. Mistakes by other drivers
According to collision data released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more commercial crashes than not are the fault of the commercial truck involved in the incident.
However, a significant portion of crashes occur because of what other drivers do. Frequently, those crashes are the results of motorists driving in a semi-truck’s blind spots, failing to leave adequate space at intersections or cutting 18-wheelers off in traffic.
2. Mistakes by commercial drivers
The FMCSA’s statistics show that the leading cause of crashes where semi-trucks are at fault is a mistake by the commercial driver. Getting too close to other vehicles or maintaining an unsafe speed can lead to a commercial driver losing control and causing a crash.
3. Recognition errors
The second most common reason that commercial drivers cause crashes is because they fail to notice changes in traffic, such as the approach of a vehicle next to the semi-truck. Both blind spots and driver distraction contribute to recognition errors.
4. Non-performance
Sometimes, commercial drivers cause crashes because they become incapable of performing their jobs. Such incidents might involve personal medical emergencies or a driver falling asleep at the wheel. Drivers who are unconscious or in the midst of a medical issue cannot control large commercial trucks.
5. Vehicle issues
The FMCSA reports that roughly one in 10 crashes caused by commercial trucks occur because of an issue with the vehicle. Tire blowouts, brake failures and improperly loaded trailers can all cause crashes.
In scenarios where a commercial driver or the vehicle they operate is at fault for a semi-truck crash, the other parties involved in the incident may have grounds to request compensation. Establishing the underlying cause of a crash is important for those hoping to hold a driver or their employer accountable.