Every motor vehicle accident can be devastating but when it comes to big rig accidents, the chance of suffering serious injuries – not to mention fatalities – is much higher. This is due to both the size and weight of big rigs. If you are driving a car, you may feel that you have no control over whether or not you are involved in a big rig accident. The truth is that by watching out for these four common causes of big rig accidents, you can stay safer on the roads.
The Seriousness of Big Rig Accidents
Are you surprised to learn that there are more than 3,300 fatal big rig accidents in the United States in the average year? Are you surprised to learn that there are another 74,000 accidents that cause injury? This is according to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
They also found that three out of four of the fatalities were in cars that collided with big rigs. Only 15% of fatalities were in the big rigs and 10% of the fatalities were not occupants in either vehicle. The rate of big rig accidents was dropping until 2010 when the numbers started tracking upwards.
- Lack of Vehicle Maintenance
- Inexperienced Drivers
- Trucks That are Incorrectly Loaded
- A Driver Who is Distracted or Fatigued
If you a big rig driver does not keep their vehicle properly maintained, it is much more likely that an accident will occur. In many cases, you cannot tell that a vehicle has not been maintained. However, if you can hear their brakes screeching when they stop, can see that their tires are in poor shape, or otherwise notice that a big rig is not well maintained, keep your distance.
Once again, this can be hard to spot from your vehicle but if you notice that a driver looks nervous, is making exaggerated movements, or otherwise seems inexperienced, then you should assume that they are a high risk for getting into an accident. Steer clear.
When a truck is not loaded correctly, whether it is loaded with too much cargo or simply unevenly loaded, there can be serious issues involving the driver’s control over their vehicle. If you see a trick that is obviously tilted in one direction or is otherwise not loaded properly, do not drive near that truck.
It is dangerous for anyone to drive while they are distracted or tired. It is even more dangerous for a big rig driver. If you see a driver yawning, using a cell phone, or otherwise not looking at the road, then you are looking at a driver who is more likely to get into an accident.
In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a big rig accident, you can contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
