Collisions involving heavy trucks are much less frequent than collisions between passenger vehicles. People behind the wheel of semis, dump trucks, and other freight haulers are professional drivers, holding a commercial license that guarantees a certain level of expertise. Accidents do sometimes occur, however, and the results can be catastrophic. Trucking accidents in Upper Marlboro between heavy trucks and passenger vehicles have some common causes.
Construction Zones
As with accidents that only include passenger vehicles, trucking accidents in Upper Marlboro are more likely in construction zones. Big vehicles are more difficult to maneuver through orange barrels and roads that have been reduced to one lane. Sometimes, though, the accident is caused by the passenger car driver who may become impatient and try to dart around the truck and other vehicles ahead.
Equipment Malfunctions
Equipment malfunctions sometimes happen, when trucks are not well-maintained or serviced as they should be. Fleet owners frequently delay maintenance and repairs to cut costs. Small companies often run on a shoestring and may be juggling various expenses while also waiting for customers to pay invoices. In some of the worst-case scenarios, the steering or brakes may malfunction while the driver is on a highway.
Cell Phone Use
Using a handheld cell phone to have a conversation is an increased risk factor for a collision, since it is somewhat distracting to the driver. It’s estimated that truckers who text behind the wheel are more than 20 times more likely to cause an accident than those who do not. Just glancing at the screen requires the driver to take his or her eyes off the road long enough to travel dozens of yards at highway speeds.
Fatigue
Driver fatigue is still a common factor, even with the recent federal regulations requiring electronic logbooks instead of paper ones. Now, the driver’s mileage and hours on the road are tracked, and drivers can no longer fudge the entries. But, many long-haul truckers still deal with erratic work and sleep hours. Anyone who has been seriously hurt in an accident involving a heavy truck may contact an organization such as The Jaklitsch Law Group for a free consultation.
