Truck accidents are among the most devastating incidents on the road, primarily due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. When truck drivers fail to operate their vehicles responsibly, the results can be catastrophic.
However, it is important to understand the common negligent acts of truck drivers to help raise awareness and promote safer driving practices.
If you or a loved one is involved in such a situation, choosing a truck accident lawyer who will handle the legal side of things is the best course of action.
The sections below list 5 acts of negligence committed by truck drivers that lead to accidents.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Operating a commercial truck requires your full attention, especially if you’re the one driving.
The sad part is that several drivers engage in activities that take their focus away from the road. These distractions include:
- Using a mobile phone to text, call, or browse
- Adjusting navigation systems or radios
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Looking at roadside distractions, such as billboards
2. Driving Under the Influence
Remember the popular saying that goes, “Don’t drink and drive.”
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a dangerous and negligent act that can hugely impair a truck driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely.
In the end, it can lead to a severe accident. The use of substances or alcohol while driving can:
- Slow your reaction times
- Impair your judgment and decision-making
- Reduce your coordination and focus on the road
Even though commercial drivers are held to stricter standards regarding alcohol limits, violations of these standards still occur. The aftermath of impaired driving is often fatal; this is why it is referred to as one of the most serious negligent acts.
3. Hours of Service Violations
Truck drivers are often faced with tight delivery schedules. This leads some of them to violate federal hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. These rules were designed to prevent fatigue by limiting the number of hours that a driver can be on the road. Once they neglect these regulations, it can result in the following:
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
- Slower reaction times due to exhaustion
- Poor decision-making on the wheel is often caused by mental fatigue
Drivers and trucking companies need to adhere to HOS regulations and prioritize rest breaks. This will help to reduce the risk of fatigue-related truck accidents.
4. Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding has always been a major factor in several truck accidents. When truck drivers exceed their speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions, they are at risk of losing control of their vehicles.
Reckless driving behaviors that often contribute to accidents include:
- Tailgating other vehicles
- Abrupt lane changes without signaling
- Ignoring traffic signals or signs
Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, these actions are very hazardous.
5. Overloaded Cargo
Even though commercial trucks are designed to transport heavy loads, having improperly secured or overloaded cargo can lead to very severe accidents. The negligence in cargo management includes:
- Exceeding the truck’s weight limit
- Failing to secure cargo properly
- Transporting hazardous materials without following safety protocols
Each of these acts of negligence can cause a truck to overturn, spill cargo onto the road, or fail to stop in time. This can endanger all motorists who share the road with the truck.