Everyday activities such as going to work or school require you to share the road with other motorists. Unfortunately, not all drivers put as much emphasis as they should on safety measures, and crashes can occur.
Some of the most catastrophic involve trucks, as their size and weight can do a lot of damage to any smaller vehicles they crash into.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration investigates and compiles data on the causes of truck crashes. They found the critical factors to be:
- 87% driver-related: Fatigue, distraction and poor decision-making fall into this category
- 10% vehicle-related: Mechanical issues or poor loading are two examples
- 3% environmental: Icy roads can reduce traction and high winds can decrease stability
How can I avoid a truck accident?
Unfortunately, an accident involving a truck can happen at any time and often for unforeseeable reasons. This means that none of us are ever 100% safe from something like this happening to us. However, there are things you can do to minimize your chances of being struck by a heavy truck while behind the wheel of your vehicle.
For one thing, if you see a truck while driving, try to keep your distance from it. Try to avoid sitting directly in front, back or to the side of the truck as they have extensive blind spots. You could also try to pick routes that are less popular with semi-trucks, but this is not always practical.
If you are involved in a crash with a truck, it’s important to learn more about your options to claim compensation.