Driver Behaviors That Often Lead to Serious Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are some of the most severe and deadly crashes on the road. Because of commercial trucks’ sheer size and weight, even a small error can lead to disastrous truck accidents.

While some factors, such as equipment failure and poor road conditions, sometimes play a role, many serious truck accidents are caused by human error. Some driver activities (of both trucks and other vehicles) greatly elevate the crash risk.

Understanding these behaviors is critical to improving safety and preventing tragedies.

The following are some of the most frequent driver behaviors resulting in serious truck crashes.

1.   Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Speeding plays a major role in a large number of traffic crashes in San Antonio, but it is especially dangerous when a large truck is involved. Trucks require a much longer distance to slow down or stop compared to smaller vehicles.

On top of that, when truck drivers speed or drive too fast for road conditions, such as rain or fog, they lose their ability to respond to sudden changes on the road.

In a busy transportation hub like San Antonio, these risks are heightened by the volume of commercial traffic. Consulting a San Antonio truck accident lawyer can be an important step for those affected, helping them pursue accountability and financial recovery.

Legal guidance can also play a key role in highlighting unsafe practices and promoting better safety standards on Texas roads.

2.   Fatigue and Drowsy Driving

Truck drivers frequently work long hours and are under the pressure of tight deadlines. In fact, driver fatigue is very common, even with federal rules that are meant to restrict driving hours.

A tired driver can have slowed response time and impaired judgment and may even find themselves falling asleep at the wheel. Fatigue is particularly dangerous because its effects can be as impairing as those of alcohol.

Even with legal rest periods, pressure from employers or self-imposed deadlines can lead to risky decisions about staying on the road too long.

3.   Impaired Driving

While not as frequent as other actions, driving under the influence remains a dangerous concern.

Coordination, focus and decision-making can all be thrown off by alcohol, illegal drugs, and sometimes even prescription pills. Commercial truck drivers are held to higher standards when it comes to substance use, but violations still occur.

When any amount of impairment is combined with the responsibility of driving a massive vehicle, the results can be deadly.

4.   Improper Cargo Loading

Truck accidents are not always the result of what occurs while on the road but are also the product of what happens before a trip even begins. An unbalanced or unstable load can be caused by how the cargo is loaded onto or off the vehicle, either by the driver or loading crew.

This increases the likelihood of a roll-over, jackknife accidents or loss of control.

Therefore, drivers should check their vehicle before driving and ensure the load is properly secured.

Takeaway

Serious truck accidents often stem from preventable driver behaviors.

Whether it’s excessive speed, drowsy driving, or insecure loads, such behaviors can result in life-changing outcomes for all others on the road. Identifying these risk factors is the first step in encouraging safe driving behaviors.

For truckers and everyone else on the road, being aware of such common mistakes can bring awareness and prevent tragedies before they occur.