Commercial vehicle accidents are on the rise. In 2017, 4,761 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes, an 8% increase from the previous year.
This trend has been growing for the past few years and shows no signs of stopping. So what's behind this rise in accidents?
There are several factors, but one key reason is that more vehicles are on the road. The number of large trucks and buses increased by 3% between 2016 and 2017, meaning there are more opportunities for accidents. Of course, this is just one factor in the rise of commercial vehicle accidents.
Read on to learn more about the others and what can be done to prevent these accidents.
What are commercial vehicle accidents?
There are many commercial vehicle accidents, but they all have one thing in common: they are serious. Here are some statistics about commercial vehicle accidents:
- In 2012, 4,811 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes in the United States. This is a 5% increase from the year before.
- Of those 4,811 fatal crashes, 2,976 involved at least one large truck or bus.
- In 2012, 71% of all fatal crashes involving large trucks or buses were multiple-vehicle crashes.
- The leading cause of death in multiple vehicle crashes involving large trucks or buses is driver error. Other causes include mechanical failure, weather conditions, and road conditions.
How often do commercial vehicle accidents occur?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, commercial vehicle accidents occur once every 8 minutes on average in the United States. That means that over 4,000 retail vehicle accidents occur every day.
Many factors contribute to the high frequency of commercial vehicle accidents:
- Commercial vehicles are often larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, making them more challenging to control.
- Many commercial drivers drive for long periods, which can lead to fatigue.
- There is often a lot of pressure on commercial drivers to meet deadlines, which can lead to reckless driving.
If you have been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, it is essential to seek legal help as soon as possible. The experienced attorneys at Hughes Law Firm can help you understand your rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who is most likely to be involved in a commercial vehicle accident?
Many factors contribute to the likelihood of being involved in a commercial vehicle accident. Some of these factors include:
- The type of commercial vehicle being driven
- The amount of experience the driver has
- The time of day the accident occurs
- Whether the driver is tired or not
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident
- The road conditions at the time of the accident
Given these various factors, it is difficult to pinpoint who is most likely to be involved in a commercial vehicle accident. However, some groups are more likely to be involved in such accidents than others.
These groups include:
- Inexperienced drivers: those who have recently obtained their commercial driver's license (CDL) or have limited experience driving a commercial vehicle are more likely to be involved in an accident than those with more experience. This is due to a lack of familiarity with the car and its handling characteristics and a lack of experience dealing with different traffic situations.
- Drivers who are fatigued: whether due to long hours on the road or simply not getting enough rest, tired drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident than well-rested drivers. Fatigue can impair judgment and reaction time, which are essential for safe driving.
- Those driving in adverse conditions: whether it's due to heavy traffic, bad weather, or poor road conditions, are more likely to be involved in a commercial vehicle accident. Low visibility and less grip can make it hard to control the car, and heavy traffic can make it more likely that you'll hit something. So, drivers must change how they drive to fit these conditions and take extra precautions to ensure everyone stays safe.
What are the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents?
Many factors can contribute to a commercial vehicle accident. However, some causes are more common than others.
Some of the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents include:
- Speeding: Driving too fast for the conditions is one of the leading causes of commercial vehicle accidents. This is especially true when driving in bad weather or on unfamiliar roads.
- Distracted driving: Distractions like cell phones, passengers, and GPS devices can take a driver's attention away from the road, increasing the chances of an accident.
- Fatigue: Driver fatigue is a significant problem in the trucking industry and can lead to severe accidents. Tired drivers may have difficulty staying awake and focused on the road.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive or reckless driving behaviors like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and making sudden lane changes can all increase the risk of an accident.
- Improper maintenance: Poorly maintained vehicles are more likely to experience mechanical problems that can lead to accidents. Trucks must be regularly inspected and repaired to ensure they are safe to operate on the road.
How can commercial vehicle accidents be prevented?
There are many ways that commercial vehicle accidents can be prevented. Drivers can be more careful when operating these large vehicles. They can also be better trained in how to handle them.
Additionally, the cars themselves can be made safer through better design and maintenance.
Conclusion
Commercial vehicle accidents are a severe problem in the United States, causing thousands of injuries and deaths yearly. The statistics show that these accidents are rising, so everyone must be aware of the dangers.
If you are involved in a commercial vehicle accident, seek medical attention immediately, and call Hughes Law, an experienced attorney who can help you protect your rights.
