Yes, truck driving is dangerous due to the long hours, the challenges of driving trucks on public roads, and the sheer size of commercial vehicles. That’s why truck drivers need to undergo additional training beyond what the average person needs to get a commercial driver’s license.
While many truck accidents harm passenger vehicle occupants more severely, truckers still face many dangers that could cause them injury or risk death. Our Indianapolis truck accident lawyers explain some of the daily dangers people in this profession face.
Daily Risks of Commercial Trucking
The combination of extended hours behind the wheel and varying weather conditions creates situations that require constant vigilance and professional skill. Managing an up to 80,000-pound vehicle through different terrains and traffic conditions demands exceptional focus and careful decision-making. Truckers must:
- Monitor other vehicles at all times
- Maintain longer following distances
- Adjust how they drive more often
- Do all this while meeting a delivery schedule and following federal regulations
Truck safety depends heavily on proper training, adherence to federal regulations, and support from the trucker’s employer. Many accidents occur when companies pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines or fail to maintain their vehicles properly. These pressures can lead to dangerous situations that put both truck drivers and other motorists at risk.
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Common Causes of Truck Driver Accidents
Weather conditions play a significant role in the dangers of truck driving. Rain, snow, and ice can dramatically affect a commercial vehicle’s handling characteristics. High winds pose particular challenges for empty trailers.
Equipment failure is another significant risk factor in the trucking industry. Without regular maintenance, brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and steering system failures can lead to catastrophic accidents. Safe truckers conduct pre-trip inspections, and good carriers commit to maintaining their fleets.
Driver fatigue is one of the most pressing safety concerns in the industry. Despite federal regulations limiting driving hours, tight schedules and delivery pressures can tempt both drivers and companies to push these limits. Fatigue can significantly impair judgment and reaction times as bad as drunk driving.
Long-Term Health Risks in Trucking
Professional truck drivers face significant long-term health challenges beyond the immediate risks of accidents. The profession’s sedentary nature, combined with irregular schedules and limited access to healthy food options, can seriously impact a driver’s overall health and wellness.
Truck drivers frequently develop repetitive stress injuries and back problems due to the physical demands of their profession. The combination of poor road conditions, extended periods of sitting, and the physical strain of loading and unloading cargo can lead to chronic health issues.
Extended periods of isolation, constant pressure to meet deadlines, and the stress of navigating hazardous conditions can significantly impact a driver’s psychological well-being. These mental health factors often contribute to accident risk.
Reducing the Danger of Truck Driving
Modern technology has introduced numerous safety features that can help reduce accident risks. Advanced driver assistance systems, electronic logging devices, and improved brake technologies all contribute to safer operations.
Many companies now implement comprehensive safety programs that go beyond minimum requirements, recognizing that well-trained, well-rested drivers are essential for safe operations. Yet some companies skimp on the necessary protections to keep truck driving from getting too dangerous.
Truckers can report safety violations to state and federal regulators to keep companies accountable. By reporting unsafe conditions, maintaining proper documentation, and advocating for safety improvements, truckers contribute to making trucking safer for everyone.
Legal Protections for Commercial Truck Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes regulations designed to protect the public and commercial drivers. These rules cover everything from maximum driving hours to required rest periods and vehicle maintenance standards.
Truckers can protect themselves from danger by reporting safety hazards. If an employer pressures them to operate unsafe equipment or exceed hours-of-service limits, they have the right to refuse. If the employer retaliates, the trucker has legal options to enforce their rights.
Third-Party Liability in Truck Accidents
When other drivers cause accidents involving your truck, insurance companies may try to place blame on you as the professional driver, even when other factors cause the accident. A truck accident lawyer can work to ensure that your professional reputation and rights are protected throughout the claims process.
Hiring a truck accident lawyer can make a significant difference in these cases. Lawyers know how to gather and preserve the evidence needed to support your claim, from electronic logging device data to maintenance records and witness statements.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer
While truck driving is dangerous, understanding the dangers is the first step toward protecting yourself. If you get in a truck wreck, our lawyers’ extensive experience with trucking-related cases allows us to advocate for your rights effectively and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Vaughan & Vaughan today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help protect your interests in the complex world of commercial trucking.
