How Common Are Trucking Accidents?
Today’s blog is about trucking accidents – why they’re so deadly, the most common types of accidents, and tips for preventing them when you’re behind the wheel.
Medical Conditions that Disqualify Commercial Truck Drivers
The FMCSA lists the following as medical conditions that disqualify drivers from operating commercial trucks due to the risk of semi-truck accidents:
Identifying and Avoiding Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
As Utah’s population grows, we must commit to avoiding road rage and aggressive driving from others and keeping our cool if we experience it. More drivers on the road mean slower commutes and more potential for aggression. Without greater intention to avoid emotional responses, this leaves us all at greater risk of an accident. “Road rage” is a term that was coined in the 1990s by a television news station in response to several incidents of freeway shootings. Many have expanded the term to encompass all forms of aggressive driving. However, while both aggressive driving and road rage are dangerous, there are differences between the two. Utah motorists should be aware of what aggressive driving and road rage are, the extent of the problem of these behaviors, and how to avoid aggressive drivers and prevent auto accidents. What is the Difference Between Road Rage and Aggressive Driving? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s definition of aggressive driving is “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.” While this behavior is dangerous, it’s not intentionally putting others at risk. Some examples of aggressive driving include speeding, sudden and unsignaled lane changes, following other vehicles too closely, driving too fast for the road conditions, ignoring traffic control signals, frequently honking car horns, flashing headlights, and improperly passing other vehicles. Road rage is a criminal offense, unlike aggressive driving, which is a traffic offense. According to the NHTSA, road rage is when a driver commits “moving traffic offenses to endanger other persons or property; an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger of one motor vehicle on the operator or passengers of another motor vehicle.” The difference between road rage and aggressive driving is that a driver committing an act of road rage specifically intends to harm another, while an aggressive driver is putting others on the road at risk of harm but not targeting another driver specifically. How Big of a Problem are Road Rage and Aggressive Driving? Aggressive driving and road rage are serious problems. According to NHTSA and Auto Vantage auto club data, 66% of traffic fatalities are attributable to aggressive driving. This data also shows that 37% of all road rage incidents involve firearms. Utah has seen a trend of increased aggressive driving behaviors in 2021 and 2022. This includes behaviors like excessive speed, wrong-way driving, and brandishing weapons. The Utah Highway Patrol says this helps explain record numbers of highway fatalities in Utah and the nation overall. They suspect one reason for this is that during the pandemic, highway traffic decreased, making commutes much faster. As traffic levels have returned to normal and brought back congestion, it has created a situation of impatience and risky maneuvers. How Can People Avoid Aggressive Drivers? People can take some steps to help protect themselves from aggressive drivers and prevent road rage incidents, including: Maintain 360-degree awareness of vehicles around you Remember good defensive driving rules Lock vehicle doors while you drive Keep a reasonable following distance from the car ahead of you People who cannot control their anger while driving put everyone on the road in danger, and their behavior causes auto accidents. Your best bet is to keep your distance from these drivers So their terrible day doesn’t ruin yours. Governing our Emotional Responses When we Drive Aggressive driving often begets aggression in response, leading to further danger of auto accidents. Half of the drivers surveyed replied that when they are victims of aggressive driving, they respond with their own aggressive actions. While you may be a perfectly polite and calm driver most of the time, it’s only human to feel anger when someone else puts us in danger by careless and aggressive actions. We can’t control what other drivers will do, but we can control how we respond. And this may be the difference between a collision and a close call. Avoiding road rage and aggressive driving is all our responsibility. If you respond to aggression with aggression and an accident results from your actions, you’ll likely be held at least partially liable for damages and subject to legal action. This may result in a charge of reckless driving – a class B misdemeanor in Utah. You could face up to six months in jail, $1,000 in fines, and/or a three-month driving suspension. When someone cuts you off, you’ll never even the score by driving aggressively in response. You’ll only be putting your own safety at risk. If you do encounter aggressive drivers, here are a few responses to aggression that will be more productive: Avoid reacting to aggressive behaviors in manners that could be seen as threatening, such as braking suddenly, honking the horn, or using obscene gestures Increase the distance between you and the other driver Take down their license plate number (if you can safely) and report the dangerous activity If an aggressive driver follows you, drive to a police station for help Use breathing exercises to reduce aggressive feelings Continue driving defensively Injured in a Car accident? Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Of course, avoiding road rage and aggressive driving is ideal, but these things can’t always be avoided. If you have been in an auto accident involving aggressive driving or road rage, the anxiety, fear, and frustration can be overwhelming even months and years after the accident. You don’t have to go through this alone. Having competent legal counsel during this time can help you recover financially, allowing you to focus on physical and emotional healing. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton has the experience to help you get the best possible outcome. We know Utah’s legal landscape; we are familiar with the system’s intricacies that will influence your case’s outcome. Contact us as soon as possible after your accident so we can help you get things moving in your favor. Even if you think the facts are clear-cut, you may need to fight for what
Truck Accident Claims Process: What You Need to Know
We all know how to file a claim after a car crash, but what about the truck accident claims process? Does being involved in a collision with a semi-truck change how that process works? And if so, how? Today’s blog discusses how the accident claims process works for big rigs accidents. Navigating the claims process is a very stressful experience, so let us guide you through it. At the Scene of the Accident Call the Police The truck accident claims process technically begins at the scene of the accident since that is where you’ll gather most of the evidence you’ll use in the claims process. The first thing you’ll want to do is call 911 to report the accident. Police will come to the scene and fill out a report. You’ll want to get a copy of that report. It will help you with the insurance claims process. Assess Your Injuries Ambulances usually accompany police to the accident scene. Even if the accident seems minor, a driver or passenger could be injured. Emergency first responders will provide an on-site physical examination to detect any injuries. Anyone who’s injured will be transported to the hospital for further care. Document Everything It’s critical to document everything. To begin, you’ll want a photo of the other driver’s ID and auto insurance cards, as well as pictures of the accident scene. Take pictures from every angle you can so that you have plenty of evidence showing how the accident happened. Take photos from your angle as well as the other driver’s angle. Get up-close and far-away shots of the accident and, most importantly, the damage. We recommend taking as many photos as you can since it’s better to have more than you need vs. not having enough. You’ll also want to take some notes. You’ll want to make sure that your photos or notes document the following: The other driver’s car, including the year, make, model, color, and license plate number The exact location of the accident; take note of cross streets and nearby landmarks Names and phone numbers of all witnesses involved When the police arrived, along with each officer’s name and badge number The names and ages of all drivers involved The exact date and time of the accident How fast each driver was going What the weather conditions were like Road conditions After the Accident Create a Chain of Evidence for Your Injuries The truck accident claims process involves your injuries, too. If you are injured, having documentation of your injury at the accident scene will help prevent the other driver’s insurance company from claiming that your injuries are unrelated to the accident. If you are injured but not enough to go to the hospital, go to your primary care provider or local urgent care. This will create a chain of evidence linking your injuries to the accident. Handling Insurance Whose insurance company you call depends on where you live and who was at fault in the accident. In Utah, accidents are “no-fault,” meaning that you report the accident to your insurance company regardless of who hits who. They will pay for a portion of your car repairs and medical bills. Your policy determines the amount they pay. Utah also has a “comparative negligence” law that works in tandem with its no-fault status. This means that both drivers can be at fault to different extents. If you are less than 50% responsible for an accident in Utah, you can collect compensation for the accident. If you live in an “at-fault” state, the driver who caused the accident is responsible. Sometimes, blame is 100% one driver’s fault, but it can be 50/50 or unequal. For example, it could be 60/40 or 80/20. In an at-fault state, this means that both parties are partially responsible. The more fault you have, the more your insurance company will pay the other driver. If you’re 80% responsible for the crash, then your insurance company will pay for 80% of the other driver’s costs. But, in an at-fault state, you can collect 20% of damages from the other party if you’re only 80% responsible. Being partially or wholly responsible for an accident in an at-fault state is not good since it will cause the cost of your insurance to go up. The Severity of the Accident What sets truck accidents apart from car accidents is how much worse they can be. The sheer size of a truck makes it much more challenging to drive, so driver error is often considered. But regardless of driver error, a big rig smashing into a car can cause far more devastation than two cars colliding with each other. Suing the Truck Driver and Trucking Company When you’re in an accident with a truck driver, you can sue them through their insurance company. Not only that, but, likely, you can also sue the truck company they drive for. That’s what sets the truck accident claims process apart from car accidents. Trucking companies are responsible for training their drivers. This includes ensuring they have proper credentials, certifications, and licenses to operate a truck. They must also follow federal, state, and company guidelines for driving their vehicle. If they fail to do any of this, the company they work for can be held liable for insufficient training. The only caveat to this is if the truck driver is an independent contractor instead of an employee. Trucking companies are liable for their employees, but their liability for independent contractors is more limited if they have any liability at all. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Now you know what information to collect at the accident scene, the importance of getting medical help, and how insurance works. It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it? That’s why we highly recommend hiring an attorney to help you handle the aftermath of crashing with a truck. This is especially true if you want to sue the truck driver. While many claims are settled between insurance companies, suing is different.
Types of Accidents: Car and Truck Collisions
Car and truck collisions happen every single day. Even the most careful driver can get into an accident. Thankfully, some accidents are minor, with drivers and passengers safe from injury or death. But some collisions result in tragedy with the loss of a loved one or a life-altering injury, like a traumatic brain injury or paralysis. And many of those collisions involve cars and trucks. These two types of vehicles don’t mesh well because they’re not equal to each other. A truck is so much larger and heavier than a car that the impact is far worse than in a car-to-car collision. Injury or death is far more likely in car-truck crashes. So, what types of accidents do cars and trucks get into? That’s what we’re looking at in today’s blog. Common Collision Causes Some types of car and truck collisions are more common than others. These are the most common types. Rear-end collisions These accidents occur when a vehicle hits the car or truck right in front of it. It’s unlikely that you’ll die from this type of collision, but whiplash is common. While a car rear-ending another car doesn’t usually result in extensive damage, a truck rear-ending a car could total the vehicle. A car rear-ending a truck could also total the car. Side-impact collisions These accidents are also called “T-bone” accidents because of how the vehicles collide. One car hits the other on its side. These accidents usually occur in the middle of an intersection when a driver fails to give the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. A side-impact collision between a car and a truck can result in severe injury or death. These crashes are extremely dangerous because the side of a car isn’t designed to withstand heavy impact. Rollover collisions This extremely dangerous type of collision involves a vehicle flipping over. As you can imagine, an 18-foot truck rolling over will cause a lot of damage. These accidents are devastating, often resulting in severe injury or death. Head-on collisions A head-on collision is the opposite of a rear-end collision. The vehicle hits the car or truck from the front instead of behind. Head-on collisions cause serious injury and death. As you can see, cars and trucks get into the same kinds of accidents as any other kind of vehicle. It’s the size of the truck that makes these accidents so deadly. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Being involved in any type of accident is a traumatic experience. But car and truck collisions can be even more traumatic than other types of accidents. You deserve compensation for your pain and suffering. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton have been representing car accident victims for years. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. If you have questions or would like more information, contact us today for your free case evaluation.
What Percentage of Accidents Are Caused by Trucks
Accidents happen, but what percentage of accidents are caused by trucks? We’ve all experienced a traffic slowdown where multiple lanes are closed while police and emergency medical services work to clear an accident scene. Often, big rigs are involved in those accidents, whether they caused it or were hit by another vehicle. It can be hard to tell what’s happened while driving by. But did you know that accident statistics are available? Multiple, reliable sources provide information, including the percentage of accidents caused by trucks and how many deaths there were. The National Safety Council, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration track these accidents. Large Trucks Involved in Accidents It might surprise you just how many big rigs are involved in accidents. In recent years, trucks have accounted for 10% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes, and that number is increasing every year. That number doesn’t include accidents where no one was killed, either. These accidents happen in urban neighborhoods, rural roads, and interstate and non-interstate highways. Over 64% of accidents happen during daylight hours, and about 5% occur in work zones. Why Do Trucks Cause Accidents? Several factors can lead to a truck causing an accident. Two leading factors include truck braking capability and driver fatigue. Trucks need far more time to come to a complete stop than the average four-door sedan. On average, a truck will travel 20% to 40% farther than a car before coming to a complete stop. Wet, slippery roads make that gap even wider. Driver fatigue is also a problem, even when drivers stay within the time frames allotted by the federal government. Truck drivers are allowed to drive for up to 11 hours before stopping. But many drivers violate these regulations to get to their destinations faster. They risk not staying alert or falling asleep behind the wheel, both of which can have disastrous consequences. Deaths Involving Large Trucks We see the percentage of accidents involving trucks, but what about deaths? It’s most often smaller vehicles, and that’s because they weigh 20 to 30 times less than the trucks involved in these accidents. The impact alone from a crash of that caliber could easily kill someone. But it’s not impossible for a truck driver to die in an accident they caused. In recent years, at least 16% of fatalities have been truck drivers or their passengers. Unfortunately, that percentage is rising every year. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton The percentage of accidents doesn’t look good, and they’re getting even worse. Have you or someone you loved been involved in an accident caused by a truck driver? Was your car totaled? Were you injured? If so, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries as well as your pain and suffering. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton has over 25 years of experience representing car accident victims just like you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today for your free case evaluation. We’re here for you!
Liability for Accidents Involving Unqualified Truck Drivers
Trucking accidents cause severe injuries, and one of the top causes of these accidents is incidents with unqualified truck drivers. The sheer size of a truck versus the size of a passenger vehicle sets the stage for catastrophe when the two collide, and passengers in a car typically suffer several significant injuries. If you believe you sustained injuries due to a truck accident involving an unqualified truck driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Recovering compensation for losses caused by a trucking accident requires finding causation and holding the responsible party accountable. Stay tuned to learn more and see if your case might qualify for review. What Causes a Driver to be Unqualified? The phrase “unqualified truck driver” bears particular legal significance. It goes beyond an everyday understanding of the definition of unqualified and includes a truck driver who has: Had their license revoked, or Does not have the requisite commercial driver’s license (a CDL) To obtain a CDL, a driver needs to undergo specialized training. Driving a truck requires a different skill and knowledge set than operating a passenger vehicle. Truck drivers take courses on topics including mandatory driving hour requirements, how to safely enter and exit a roadway, how to check the weight load of the cargo, how to use the larger mirrors trucks are outfitted with, and the need to perform a vehicle check before embarking on a delivery trip. When a driver has not taken these classes, they do not possess the requisite skills to operate a large truck safely and will not qualify for a CDL. In this regard, a driver who lacks these qualifications is considered unqualified and should never get behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. It is crucial to inspect all drivers’ training and educational records involved in a trucking accident to determine whether they are qualified or unqualified. How to Proceed Against an Unqualified Driver If you have been in an accident with an unqualified truck driver, an attorney will likely recommend holding the trucking company responsible. Attributing an accident to the trucking company requires an in-depth analysis to identify the pieces of evidence necessary to show guilt. Only a thorough investigation can unearth the documents and data necessary to prove a trucking company engaged in negligent hiring of a driver or implemented prohibited practices. Company records can reveal a history of hiring patterns and can be beneficial in showing the trucking company bears responsibility for the accident. Schedule a Consultation with Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Our team of legal professionals knows about recovering financial compensation for victims who were injured in a trucking accident involving unqualified truck drivers. If you have been in a truck accident, it is critical to explore all avenues related to liability. We will help determine the cause of the accident and assign fault to gain what you previously lost. We have offices in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, so reach out to the law offices of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton for a free case evaluation today.
Main Differences Between a Truck Accident and a Car Accident
You might assume that a truck accident and a car accident are quite similar; however, truck accidents pose a much greater threat to U.S. roads. A variety of factors distinguish a truck and a car accident from common causes to liability. Today, we’re taking a closer look at these differences and how they play into truck accidents. Causes of Truck Accidents The causes of truck accidents often parallel that of car accidents; however, some factors differentiate the two: Truck braking capability – According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Loaded tractor-trailers take 20-40 percent farther than cars to stop, and the discrepancy is greater on wet and slippery roads or with poorly maintained brakes. This can be a factor in truck crashes. Truck driver fatigue – Driver fatigue can affect any automobile operator, but truckers are among the highest group of individuals at risk. This is because they typically drive the maximum amount of time possible mandated by the government, 11 hours per day. The nature of commercial driving is exhausting, and most operators work 60+ hours per week. Improper cargo loading – Each truck carrying load must adhere to specific weight, size, height, width, and length limits. If mistakes happen during the loading process, the truck might be too heavy to operate properly. This could cause the truck to tip over or a load to fall onto the road causing a catastrophic accident. Truck Accidents Are More Likely to Cause Injury Since a large truck weighs more than 10,000 pounds, crashes involving them are more likely to result in serious injuries and wrongful death. The vulnerability of people traveling in smaller vehicles makes them more at risk. In 2009, 67 percent of all deaths involving large trucks came from passenger vehicle occupants; conversely, only 16 percent came from truck operators. Truck Accidents Have More Liable Parties Another key difference between a truck and a car accident lies within liability. It is not uncommon for other parties to be held liable for the accident. These additional parties might include: The trucking company The broker The shipper The truck manufacturer Distributors or retailers supplying defective parts There Is More Evidence to Refer to in a Truck Accident Trucking companies are required by law to keep detailed records of cargo volumes, vehicle weights, truck repairs, driver trip times, and more, so there is often more evidence to refer to in a truck accident. This evidence can help determine causation and liability. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Personal Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help If you or a loved one has been a victim of a truck accident, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is here for you. Our accident attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve and help you handle the aftermath of your accident. We have offices in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Get in touch with us today for your free case evaluation.
5 Tips for Truck Drivers to Stay Safe on Utah’s Roads
Driver safety is an essential topic for all truck drivers in the industry to understand and support, especially because driving trucks is their job. In Utah, over 40 fatal accidents involving commercial trucks happen every year. By incorporating safe driving behaviors, your well-being and the protection of those driving around you will greatly improve. Today, we are sharing five tips that all truck operators should implement to stay safe on Utah’s roads. 1. Focus on the Road Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in the United States. In 2019 alone, this resulted in the loss of 3,142 lives and contributed to 9 percent of all fatal crashes. Especially when driving a semi-truck, any distraction could be a fatal mistake. To stay safe on Utah’s roads, truck drivers must be extra vigilant about avoiding distractions while behind the wheel. Here are a few tips you should focus on: Put your phone away Don’t drive tired Set up music, car mirrors, and GPS directions before hitting the road Avoid eating or drinking while the vehicle is in motion Keep your eyes on the road at all times and pull over if this is not achievable 2. Mind Your Truck’s Space Cushion Your truck’s significant height and weight can be a major hazard if you are not careful. Always make sure that there is an adequate space cushion around all sides of your vehicle to prevent collisions. In addition, it is critical to know your blind spots and be mindful of them as you travel. When in doubt, stay put in your lane. 3. Never Drive Impaired While it may sound obvious, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Not only is this a hazard for any driver, but it is especially harmful to commercial drivers to handle such a large vehicle without being fully present. When you combine an 80,000-pound semi-truck with alcohol or other substances, the results can be deadly. 4. Always Buckle Up Studies show that roughly 1 in 6 truck operators admit to not wearing a seat belt during every trip. With over 3.5 million truck drivers in the U.S., this equates to over 580,000 operators. Not only could buckling up save your life, but it is also the law. Making that two-second decision can prevent serious injuries or death by averting ejection and protecting your brain and spinal cord. 5. Cover and Secure Loads Properly Truck drivers are responsible for delivering their goods safely and securely. To ensure that your loads make it to their destination on time, it is essential to cover and secure cargo properly. This type of preparation will also help keep roads free from litter and debris. Each time you stop on the way to your destination, check to make sure everything is still secure. Receive Help After a Truck Accident with Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Truck drivers have an indispensable responsibility to practice caution and safety on the road. If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, the attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to help. Our team has spent over 25 years assisting Utah citizens after vehicle collisions, and we are eager to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Our offices are located in Saratoga Springs, West Jordan, and Provo, Utah. Connect with us to receive your free case evaluation today.
How Do I Look Up an Accident Report
The average person will experience about four accidents throughout their lifetime, so it’s a good idea to understand how an accident report works. Accidents, no matter how serious, are hectic and confusing. An accident report helps to clarify the details of the crash so that you can receive fair compensation. We’re sharing all the information you need to know about these reports to help ease the stress of your next collision. Why an Accident Report Matters After a traffic accident, a police report is essential as it serves as a standardized method of communication to all concerned parties. Insurance companies, legal teams, actuaries, and other professionals will benefit from this concise data. Accident reports also help communicate your side of the story to the police. If you call officers to the scene, they will be able to attest to the realities concerning fault, damages, and injuries. What Is Included in an Accident Report? The officer at the scene will investigate the accident and report the following information: Approximate date, time, and location of the collision Identifying information for all involved parties Eyewitness identification and statements Location of vehicle damage Weather, roadway, and visibility conditions Statements from involved parties Citations and law violations Cause of the collision and fault determination according to the officer’s opinion How to Get a Copy of Your Accident Report You will need a copy of your accident report to file an insurance claim, but how do you obtain one? This process depends on the state in which the incident occurred, but in general, you can find your report online. In the state of Utah, the easiest way to get a copy of your accident report is through the Department of Public Safety’s online portal. You will need your name, driver’s license number, case number, and the date of the accident to access the report. You can then have it mailed to you or print it from home. Read Your Accident Report and Check the Facts After you obtain a copy of your accident report, it is crucial to take a thorough read of the document. If you notice any discrepancies, you must contact the police department through their non-emergency number to start the process of having the report amended. A lawyer is a very helpful tool in ensuring these errors are corrected. Typographical errors, such as misspellings of a name, do not have a significant effect on the case; however, informational exclusions or miscommunications are serious issues that should be amended. What to Do If You Do Not Have an Accident Report Failing to report an accident could give your insurance company an easy reason to deny your claim. If you do not file a police report at the scene of the incident, at least make sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. You should also photograph any damage and write down the time, date, and location of the accident. You can always take this information to a police station later to file an official statement. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help If you have been involved in an automobile crash and have concerns about your accident report, the personal injury attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here for you. With more than 50 years of combined experience, our team will fight to help you receive the compensation you deserve after your accident. We have offices located in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
When Is the Most Dangerous Time for a Truck Accident?
A truck accident can occur anywhere and at any time of day, but statistics show that the afternoon poses the biggest threat to vehicle operators. Continue reading to learn more about the trends that plague U.S. motorways and what you can do to stay safe on the road. When Do Most Truck Accidents Occur? It would stand to reason that most truck accidents would happen during times with low visibility, such as nighttime, or during heavy traffic; however, the opposite is true. According to 2019 data from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, most of these collisions occur between the hours of noon and 3:00 p.m. Consequently, this resulted in 718 deaths. The least hazardous time to drive lands between midnight and 3:00 a.m., which resulted in 8 percent of all truck-related deaths. Truck Accident Trends Despite state and federal government efforts, the frequency of truck accidents continues to increase. In 2019, the number of people who died in large truck crashes was 31 percent higher than it had been a decade prior. The total number of deaths resulting from these kinds of accidents was 4,119. Common Causes of Truck Accidents The time of day is a valid consideration when it comes to trucking accidents, but there are many other causes, including: Driver error Distracted driving Inexperience Fatigue Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo Tips for Avoiding a Truck Accident Whether you are operating a small automobile or a high-occupancy vehicle, understanding how to keep yourself safe on the road is paramount. The following are tips that all vehicle operators should follow to avoid the probability of a truck accident: Pay attention to the road at all times. Avoid distractions such as eating, using a cell phone, or fidgeting with a navigation system. Keep a safe distance when driving near trucks. These heavy vehicles need more time to slow down and stop, so avoid tailgating. If you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, you are following too closely. In addition to keeping a safe distance, you should also avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots. When changing lanes in front of a truck, use clear signals and allow plenty of room. If possible, you should not change lanes in front of a truck when going uphill or downhill. Watch for flying debris as you travel near a truck. If you maintain a safe distance, you will have a better chance of safely evading airborne objects. Adequate spacing will also pay off in the event of a blown-out tire or high winds. Receive Help After a Truck Accident with Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, the attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to help. Our team has spent over 25 years assisting Utah citizens after traffic collisions and would love to help you receive the compensation you deserve. We have offices in Saratoga Springs, West Jordan, and Provo, Utah. Connect with us to receive your free case evaluation today.
Causes of Accidents: Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue is a leading cause of commercial motor vehicle accidents, yet it is not discussed as much as it should be. Truck drivers work during a variety of extreme circumstances, so taking the wheel while feeling a little sleepy might not seem too risky initially. Unfortunately, the statistics surrounding drowsy driving prove that it is incredibly risky and dangerous. Fatigue is as Dangerous as Driving Under the Influence Many people do not realize just how hazardous it is to drive while feeling tired. In fact, drowsy driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. The dangers of truck driver fatigue parallel that of DUI, including: Delayed thought process and reaction time Impaired judgment and vision Shortened attention span Inability to make wise decisions Causes of Driver Fatigue Truckers are among the highest group of individuals at risk for driver fatigue. This is because they no longer have the luxury of taking naps whenever necessary. Instead, they typically drive the maximum amount of time possible mandated by the government, which is 11 hours. The nature of commercial driving is exhausting, and most operators work 60+ hours per week. Even when truckers are not working, it can be very difficult for them to establish a regular sleep pattern. How Often Fatigued Driving Occurs The CDC created a survey to determine how often commercial drivers take the wheel while feeling drowsy. The survey results were quite troubling: 7 percent of drivers admitted to feeling very drowsy almost every day driving. 34 percent of drivers said they have nodded off or fallen asleep while driving. 24 percent of truck drivers had at least one near-miss during a seven-day period. 12 percent of truck drivers had two or more near misses. Tips for Truck Drivers The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that 13 percent of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered to have been fatigued at the time of their crash. Below are some tips that will help you stay well-rested for all of your trips and not become part of this startling statistic: Get enough sleep – If possible, do not while your body is naturally drowsy (between the hours of midnight and 6 A.M.). Maintain a healthy diet – Try not to skip meals, eat at irregular times, sleep immediately after a big meal, or go to bed on an empty stomach. Take a nap when feeling less alert – Ideally, a nap should last up to 45 minutes. Allow at least 15 minutes after waking up to fully recover before hitting the road again. Avoid medication that induces drowsiness – If you need a certain medication, talk to your doctor to find a solution that won’t tire you out. Recognize the signals of drowsy driving – Indicators of sleepiness include frequent yawning, heavy eyes, and blurred vision. Do not rely on alertness tricks to stay awake – Tricks such as smoking, playing loud music, opening the window, or chewing gum are not real cures for drowsiness and provide a false sense of security. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help You Receive the Compensation You Deserve If you have sustained car accident injuries due to truck driver fatigue, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help. With over 50 years of combined experience in personal injury cases, you can rest assured that you are in good hands with our team. We have offices in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Contact us today.