5 Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in St. George

Truck accidents can be incredibly dangerous considering that an average 18-wheeler weighs up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded. No matter how safe of a driver you may be, it isn’t possible to predict another driver’s response behind the wheel. There are many factors that can go into truck accidents. Keep as much space as possible between you and nearby trucks, and stay as alert as you can on the road. Let’s dive deeper into 5 of the most common causes of truck accidents in St. George.

1. Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers are often expected to work long shifts with many hours spent behind the wheel. While there are rules and regulations in regards to how many breaks a driver should get, they aren’t always followed. In some cases, the driver may hope to finish their haul early. In others, the trucking company may be pressuring the driver to get more done within an allotted amount of time. Sometimes simply driving in the heat of the day or late at night can cause fatigue.

2. Poorly Trained Drivers

Driving a truck isn’t easy work. It requires a great deal of training and practice to learn how to properly maneuver a vehicle of that size and weight. Patience is needed in order to ensure the safety of everyone on the road as well. It’s up to trucking companies to hire well-trained drivers so that safety is always the top priority.

3. Improperly Loaded Cargo

Depending on the situation, a separate shipping or cargo company will do the loading for the vehicle. It’s crucial that it’s properly packed in order to distribute the weight evenly. Improperly loaded cargo could result in things shifting around in the trailer, thus throwing the vehicle off-balance and causing an accident.

4. Driving While Impaired

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is always dangerous, but when the driver is operating a multi-ton cargo truck it makes things even more serious. Some drivers use substances to cope with countless hours on the road away from family and friends, and others are simply bored behind the wheel. Whatever the reason, driving while impaired is never a good idea. If you’re on the road near an 18-wheeler, be sure to looks for signs of impairment like swerving between lanes or veering off the side of the road. Leave plenty of space between you and the truck until it seems safe to pass.

5. Distracted Driving

Whether a truck driver is adjusting their music or fumbling with their navigation system, distracted driving is a common cause for accidents. Drivers may not be familiar with the area, or the dispatcher could even be trying to reach them via radio.

If you do find yourself in a truck accident, whatever you feel the cause was, it’s essential to reach out for help. Contact an experienced truck driver law firm to help you get the support and compensation you deserve.