Semi-Truck Wrecks : What causes an accident?
Any type of auto accident can be dangerous and cause harm to you and your loved ones. When dealing with tractor-trailers and other large trucks, the risk is even greater. So whether you are driving down Tennessee’s I-65, or driving your family for a summer vacation, it is important to be aware of your surroundings to help keep you and your family safe. Below we will take a look at the most common causes of semi truck accidents.
Driver Related Factors In a Semi-Truck Accident
A lot of people have dealt with some of these issues, but when you are in a vehicle weighing up to 80,000 lbs (at least 10,000 lbs ) it puts others in serious danger considering most people are driving cars weighing more around 2,000 lbs.
- Impairment: This can include a variety of things. Illness, fatigue, alcohol use, illegal drug use, prescription drug use, over the counter drugs,
- Traveling too fast for conditions
- Running out of the travel lane, either into another lane or off the road
- Vehicle loss of control due to traveling too fast for conditions, cargo shift, vehicle systems failure, poor road conditions, or other reasons
- Colliding with the rear end of another vehicle in the truck?s travel lane
- Unfamiliarity with roadway
- Not paying attention
- Following too closely
- Driver fatigue-could lead to poor judgment or slow reaction times
- Physically Impaired due to health: Heart attack, seizure or other issues
- Illegal maneuver
- Inadequate evasive action (did not take steps an experienced driver should take to prevent an accident and avoid injury or damage)
- Aggressive driving behavior
- Unfamiliar with vehicle
- Driver’s lack of experience
- Conversation (on phone,radio,or person in the cab)
- Under pressure to operate even under fatigue
- In a hurry prior to crash
- Self induced legal work pressure
- Upset prior to crash (drivers emotional state)
Work Related Issues
- Under pressure to accept additional loads
- Under pressure to operate even under fatigue
- Required to accept short notice trips
- Work schedule pressure
Environment:
- Traffic flow interruption (congestion, previous crash)
- Roadway Related Factors (construction zones, roads in disrepair)
- Weather Related Factors
- Sight Obstructed by Road/Other Vehicle
- Other Vehicle Obscured (by Glare/Headlights, etc)
Issues with the vehicle or rig:
There is also the possibility that a vehicle related problem, or issue with the truck load contributed and perhaps cause the accident.
Some of these are:
- Brake Failure, or other brake problems
- Cargo shifts and causes vehicle control loss or Cargo not being secured correctly
- Vehicle system failure leads to vehicle control loss
- Blowout,flat tire,tire deficiency
- Wheel falls off
- Jackknife
- Overweight
- Light Failure
- Vehicle causes obstruction of driver’s view
- Engine, Fuel System, or Exhaust Deficiency
- Transmission Failure
- Reflective Tape Missing/Obscured
- Suspension frame deficiency
- Problem with the towing unit
