The Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Texas
Commercial truck accidents remain a major public safety concern in our region. According to data from the National Safety Council (NSC), Texas leads the country in truck accident fatalities each year. Serious truck crashes can happen for a wide range of different reasons. Though, the vast majority of these crashes could and should have been prevented with proper care. Here, our Houston truck accident attorney highlights the most common causes of commercial truck crashes in Texas.
Trucker Fatigue
Truck drivers often face long hours on the road, and fatigue impairs reaction time and decision-making ability. Even with federal hours-of-service rules, some companies pressure drivers to skip rest breaks or falsify logs. For example, a truck driver in Houston may not get sufficient rest breaks. After long hours on the road they could end up in a rear-end collision due to slowed reaction time.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is dangerous driving. Truckers need to keep the full, undivided attention on the road at all times. The failure to do so puts innocent people at serious risk. For example, imagine that a trucker in Harris County was looking at a dispatch text while approaching a red light. Due to that distraction the driver may accidentally crash into the back of a stopped vehicle.
Speeding or Driving Too Fast for Conditions
Speed matters. Operating a semi-truck at high speed increases the risk of losing control, especially in bad weather or heavy traffic. Speed also increases stopping distance. That can make it harder to avoid hazards. As an example, imagine that on a foggy morning along State Highway 105 near Conroe, a trucker driving above the limit failed to see a traffic slowdown ahead. That could be the fundamental cause of a very bad crash.
Inadequate Driver Training or Experience
Driving a commercial truck requires specialized skills, and insufficient training can leave drivers unprepared for emergency situations. Texas does not require experience beyond a CDL unless the carrier imposes its own requirements. However, all companies have a responsibility to ensure that their truckers are skilled and experienced enough to drive safely.
Improperly Secured or Overloaded Cargo
Not all truck accidents are caused by the driver. When freight is not properly loaded or secured, it can shift during transit and destabilize the vehicle. Overloaded trailers also place extra stress on braking systems and tires. For instance, imagine that a truck carrying logs does not have secured cargo. That logging truck is just outside of Livingston when it spills timber onto FM 350 after making a sharp turn. It could cause a terrible crash.
Consult With Our Houston, TX Trucking Accident Lawyer Today
At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, our Houston truck accident lawyer fights aggressively for the maximum compensation for victims and their families. If you or your family member was hurt in a bad truck crash, we are here to help. Give us a call now or contact us online for a fully confidential, no obligation consultation. Our firm represents truck accident victims throughout Southeast Texas.
Source:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/data-details/
