As motorists, we must treat each driver with respect and consideration on the road. Trucking accidents can be caused by the driver of the truck or by uncaring passenger vehicles.
Truck Accidents Caused By Passenger Vehicle Drivers
Common unsafe acts committed by car drivers in the vicinity of large trucks, which often result in truck accidents, include:
- Changing lanes abruptly in front of a truck.
- Maneuvering to the right of a truck that is making a right turn.
- Merging improperly into traffic, causing a truck to maneuver or brake quickly.
- Failure to slow down or speed up when a truck begins to change lanes or merge.
- Passing a truck, then being blown out of position by air turbulence or cross-wind.
- Pulling into traffic from the roadside in front of a truck without accelerating sufficiently.
- Driving between large trucks.
- Abandoning a vehicle in a travel lane or failing to get a disabled vehicle completely off the highway and onto the shoulder.
Truck Accidents Caused by Commercial Truck Drivers
Big rig and other commercial truck drivers are skilled and patient drivers, for the most part. However, in addition to the dangers inherent in the size and weight of the trucks used in commercial transportation and shipping, a number of characteristics inherent in the business can contribute to traffic accidents. These include:
- Inadequate training as to driving technique, safety concerns, and defensive driving.
- Systems of compensation that encourage faster vehicle speeds and more hours of consecutive vehicle operation than would normally be advisable.
- Unrealistic schedules and expectations of trucking companies that encourage drivers to hurry, despite safety risks involved.
