Truck accidents may not be as frequent as car accidents, but they can be just as serious-sometimes even more so. Still, not many people know about the dangers that trucks can pose to other motorists. Here are five facts about truck accidents that you may not know.
Trucks are more likely to cause injuries than cars
You have probably driven past a truck on the highway and noticed how massive it is in comparison to the cars around it. After all, the average car weighs about 3,000 pounds; the average truck? Try over 80,000. This is why collisions involving a truck and a car tend to result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Some trucks carry hazardous materials that can cause injury
Trucks carry all kinds of things, from toys to vegetables to livestock. In some cases, trucks can even carry hazardous materials. If these trucks get in accidents, the results could be irreparable. Sometimes the party that shipped the materials is liable for injuries caused by hazardous materials.
Truck drivers may be fatigued
Long hours of driving can fatigue drivers. This can lead to poor judgment, slower reaction times and even falling asleep at the wheel. Truck drivers who are fatigued may be at higher risk of causing accidents, putting other motorists in jeopardy. Regulations limit the number of hours truck drivers are allowed to drive, but the drivers and their companies do not always follow those rules.
Not all trucks are well maintained
You may think that trucking companies keep their large trucks in tip-top shape, but this is not always true. Trucking companies have been known to neglect their vehicles’ maintenance in order to cut corners and save costs. Not only is this negligent, but it can also have fatal consequences for New Mexico drivers.
Truck drivers may not have good training
Although trucking companies have a responsibility to train their drivers in safely operating large trucks, not all companies fulfill this duty. Many truck drivers have not been adequately trained to operate their trucks in a safe manner. In fact, the lack of proper training can often cause deadly accidents between trucks and other motor vehicles.