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500,000 – The number of tractor-trailer accidents every year in the United States
10% – The number of accidents that result in fatalities that involve a tractor trailer
80,000 pounds – The approximate weight of many commercial trucks
Here’s something you might not know, though! According to statistics, it isn’t the truck driver that is responsible for many of these crashes. It is often the driver of the smaller vehicle, who makes an error in judgement while driving. Driving behind a truck or a tractor carrying heavy equipment such as Rotary Hoes can be difficult and frustrating, but it is important that extra care is taken in these circumstances. As the statistics prove, trailer accidents are quite common, so being cautious on the road is paramount. However, if you are ever involved in a tractor-trailer accident then it might be a good idea to get a lawyer involved. You can learn more about how to get a lawyer involved here.
One suspicion among the populace is that alcohol or drugs plays a role in tractor trailer accidents, but according to statistics the number of accidents that involve a drunken trucker is very low. A higher percentage of accidents involves a smaller vehicle operator who is drunk.
Fatigue, though, is a factor on the commercial truck driver side. Tractor trailer jobs often tend to encourage, one way or another, long hours on the road — long shifts. And this means truckers don’t get enough rest, often enough.
It was estimated by a tractor trailer accident lawyer that around 90 percent of tractor trailer wrecks involve fatigue.
So commercial trucking companies, if you penalize your drivers for not hauling your cargo to its destination on time, you have to accept some responsibility for this. You are encouraging what amounts to hundreds of thousands of accidents per year, and tens of thousands of deaths.
Everyone should drive defensively on the highway or any road at ALL TIMES. But a little knowledge about trucks to keep in mind, so you can better avoid (hopefully) these deadly types of accidents: Often what happens is the truck driver gets fatigued, and his tractor trailer unit starts to drift. IT can drift across lanes. Or if traffic patterns change suddenly — like slowing down suddenly or entering a construction zone — the hauling truck might not be alert and able to respond in time. This means, YES!, keep your distance. This is what truckers want you to do, too. Just keep your distance, and watch those trucks, to keep yourself, your loved ones, and the big rig drivers safe.
And truckers, get your sleep, please.
