Tractor-trailer collisions could lead to fatalities. Knowing why these crashes often occur might help Virginia truck drivers and their employers prevent such disasters.
Frequent reasons for truck collisions
Speeding ranks is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle collisions, so it is not surprising that it contributes to commercial truck crashes. When a vehicle travels too fast, the driver may not be able to react in time to avoid a collision or come to a complete stop before hitting another vehicle. With oversized commercial trucks, things become more dangerous because the vehicle requires a greater stopping distance.
While many people would never consider getting behind the wheel intoxicated, an unfortunate number do. Intoxication does not refer to impairment calls solely by alcohol or marijuana but could include prescription and non-prescription substances. Anything that causes impairment might undermine safe driving.
Distractions also factor heavily into truck accidents. Even taking the mind away from the road for a brief second could lead to a fatal accident.
Further reasons for truck collisions
Driver fatigue could lead to truck accidents since the risk of failing concentration increases when a driver becomes tired. Everything from not taking mandatory breaks to using over-the-counter cold medicine could contribute to tiredness.
Other problems might fall on the shoulders of the truck’s owner, which could be a large company employing drivers. A driver might not realize a vehicle is poorly maintained, and substandard maintenance could lead to mechanical problems resulting in accidents.
Poorly secured cargo may move around in the truck’s trailer, creating problems. Shifting cargo may make it difficult to operate a vehicle safely when turning or going up hills.
Ultimately, if negligence causes an accident that results in harm to another road user, the responsible party could face a lawsuit. With truck accidents, an insurance settlement might cover the losses.