A lot of truck accidents don’t happen because of bad weather or mechanical failures. They’re caused by the decisions drivers make or don’t make on the road. Distracted driving is just one of the ways negligence behind the wheel can lead to truck accidents.
But it’s not the only culprit. Drowsy driving, poorly maintained vehicles, or even reckless speeding are other practices that show that drivers or the companies they work for do not take their responsibilities seriously.
Whatever the case, you can trust truck accident lawyers to step in, determine what went wrong, identify the liable party, and fight for justice for the accident victim.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. It might seem harmless to glance at a text, adjust the GPS, or eat a snack while driving.
Here are the main types of distractions drivers face while behind the wheel:
- Visual distractions: These are things that make a driver look away from the road. For example, checking a GPS, reading a text message, or even looking at something interesting outside can be very dangerous.
- Manual distractions: This happens when a driver takes one or both hands off the steering wheel. Examples include changing the radio, eating, or reaching for something in the truck.
- Cognitive distractions: These are harder to notice. This happens when a driver loses focus in their mind. A truck driver who is daydreaming or worried about their work is just as risky as someone who is looking at their phone.
Other Forms of Driving Negligence That Spell Trouble
Many people know about distracted driving, but there are other dangerous behaviors that truck drivers and trucking companies need to avoid. Here are some of them:
Driver fatigue
Truck drivers sometimes work for hours without taking enough breaks, which can lead to driver fatigue. When you’re really tired, you’re not as focused, and your reactions slow down. You might miss a stop sign, fail to notice a car coming out of nowhere, or swerve out of your lane.
Basically, it would be like trying to play a video game when you’re so sleepy you can barely stay awake. You’re not going to win, and you’re more likely to make mistakes that can hurt others.
This is why truck drivers need to get plenty of rest and not push themselves too hard, because driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk.
Improper maintenance
Trucks have even more parts that need to be taken care of, like their brakes, tires, lights, and engines. If a truck isn’t properly maintained and something breaks down while it’s on the road, the driver could lose control or cause an accident.
Truck companies and drivers need to make sure their vehicles are in tip-top shape, and they need to check things regularly to avoid crashes.
Drug or alcohol impairment
We all know how dangerous it is to drive after drinking or using drugs. But sometimes, truck drivers might be tempted to drive under the influence, whether it’s alcohol or even prescription medication.
Even if the drugs or alcohol are legal or prescribed by a doctor, they can still mess up a driver’s ability to pay attention to the road or make good choices.
Conclusion
Truck accidents can be prevented. It’s important for truck companies, lawmakers, and drivers to pay attention to this problem. The consequences can be very serious.
People who are hurt deserve justice, and our roads should be safer. If you or someone you know has been affected by a truck accident, consider talking to a truck accident lawyer. They can help you understand the situation and make sure the right people are held responsible.