Commercial trucking is important to our countries transporting and shipping industries. With increased shipping speeds and increased speed needs, commercial truckers are under more pressure than ever. Unfortunately, these rising demands often also result in an increase in trucking accidents and injuries. Safe driving needs to be a priority with commercial truckers on the road. Commercial truckers on the road are subject to the following problems.
Distracted driving
Everyone has heard by now that distracted driving is dangerous. With more people texting and emailing and driving, there has been an increase in auto accidents. Because of this, many states have made distracted driving illegal. What many fail to realize is that distracted driving has always been a part of commercial truckers on the road. Commercial truckers are often navigating roads that they are unfamiliar with. They are constantly operating navigation devices. They may also be using cell phones to keep in touch with family members or employers. Distracted driving claimed 3,477 lives in 2015 alone.
Tired driving
Perhaps one of the most common causes of trucking accidents is tired driving. Commercial truckers on the road are often met with strict time requirements. These requirements for increased shipping speeds do not give them enough time to stop and rest. Additionally, many commercial truckers are charged by the mile, not by the time driving. They may work through the night, skipping sleep, to increase their pay. Some states have passed regulations on the amount of miles a commercial trucker can drive at once, but these regulations are not always closely followed. Thousands of people die each year in accidents involving semi trucks and overworked and fatigued drivers are one of the most concerning causes.
Truck driving under the influence
Truck drivers spend a majority of their lives on the road. These hours spent driving can get lonely and boring. Many will stop off for entertainment during their rest times. If alcohol or drugs are involved, it can present a dangerous situation. With short breaks from driving, the trucker may be required to begin driving again before the effects of the substance have completely worn off. Every day, 28 people die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol impaired driver.
This can be a difficult problem to identify and solve as many truck drivers do not regularly see their superiors. Much of their work time is alone and no one is aware of a substance abuse problem until an accident has already occurred. When alcohol or drugs are involved, a semi truck accident attorney is often needed. Accidents in the trucking industry are already troublesome, but illegal substance abuse can bring on legal and criminal charges.
What to do if you are involved in a trucking accident
It doesn?t matter if you are the truck driver or the passenger in the trucking accident, it is likely that you could benefit from the services of a personal injury attorney. A personal injury lawyer will handle all of the legalities and compensation needs caused by the accident. There may be concerns regarding workers compensation, medical claims, or even a question of illegal activity. A personal injury attorney can navigate you through the legal process of a trucking accident.
Delivery and shipment trucks are a large percentage of the auto accidents that occur daily. Because trucking drivers are often carrying very heavy loads, the injuries associated with the accident are usually much worse. With many causes of commercial trucking accidents, it is important to put a greater focus on trucking safety. If you are involved in a commercial trucking accident, make sure your rights are protected with a personal injury attorney.