Commercial truck accident causes and consequences
Commercial vehicle wrecks can have serious consequences, particularly when they result in injuries. Because of their large size, commercial trucks typically generate more damage in an accident than personal vehicles.
According to the National Safety Council, the incidence of these accidents is a growing concern; the number of fatalities involving large trucks has increased by 49% over the last decade.
Causes of commercial truck accidents
Commercial vehicle drivers face the same road hazards as personal vehicle drivers. However, the size and weight of these trucks can make an accident more likely to occur for a commercial vehicle under the same driving conditions.
- Driver fatigue. Often the result of demanding schedules with long driving hours, fatigue can impair judgment and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Mechanical failures. These failures are often related to brake malfunctions or tire blowouts.
- Distracted driving. Using smartphones, GPS devices or eating while driving can all distract a driver.
- Adverse weather conditions. Drivers of commercial trucks may experience difficulty controlling the large, heavy vehicles in fog, rain or snow.
When these hazardous conditions cause a commercial vehicle accident, drivers often experience financial loss from property damage, lost wages and personal injuries.
Injuries resulting from commercial truck accidents
The number of injuries from accidents involving large trucks has increased by 15% since 2016. Commercial trucking accidents often result in whiplash and neck injuries, broken bones and traumatic brain injuries. They can also cause internal injuries and emotional trauma.
Commercial truck accidents involving injuries can change lives in an instant. More driver training, stricter regulations and enhanced vehicle maintenance protocols can greatly improve highway safety conditions for commercial drivers.