Six main causes of truck accidents

Six main causes of truck accidents. A truck driver drives an average of 500 miles per day to deliver their cargo from one point to another. They cover approximately 125,000 miles per year, dealing with various weather conditions, heavy traffic, and poorly maintained roads, often alone.

Many of these accidents are preventable. Therefore, it is important to understand the main causes behind them.

According to numerous studies, fatigue is the leading cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers often work against the clock, which leads them to drive long distances without sufficient rest. The consequences of this lack of rest are fatigue, which impairs reaction time and even causes many drivers to fall asleep at the wheel.

The second cause of accidents is distraction. Long journeys in a monotonous environment, on straight and endless roads with minimal radio coverage or phone signal, are fatal for drivers. Under these conditions, drivers may try to text on their phones, search for pre-recorded programs, and divert their eyes from the peaceful road, leading to accidents.

The third cause is the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs. The nature of solitary work and long shifts often leads many drivers to seek relief in cocaine and amphetamines, as reported by the Occupational and Environmental Medicine journal. “30% of drivers admit to using amphetamines, 50% consume alcohol, and 3% use cocaine.”

The fourth cause is inadequate training for new drivers. Many begin driving long routes without prior experience in adverse weather conditions such as snow, heavy rainstorms, or strong winds.

The fifth cause is improper cargo placement. Trucks have specific procedures and regulations based on the type of cargo, weight, size, length, width, and height. Any violation of these parameters commonly leads to accidents.

And the sixth cause is the lack of vehicle inspection. Many trucks hit the road without proper maintenance, posing great dangers on the highway.

If you want to obtain affordable truck insurance, call Univista Insurance. Six main causes of truck accidents.

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