Truck drivers have always faced an element of danger when they’re at work. Decades ago, the excess of narrow two-lane roads, little to no snow removal, and a lack of communication between drivers and employees caused several accidents. Nowadays, the U.S. has one of the most impressive interstate highway systems, yet truck driving is considered one of the deadliest jobs, according to Time Magazine.
Why do truck drivers face so many risks if there are several industry advancements? Find out in today’s blog.
The Dangers of Truck Driving
Many people think truck driving is hazardous because of the road conditions workers face. The highest number of truck driver fatalities occur in the summer in every part of the country. Summer is when the highest number of people travel, making highways busier. Typically, truck driver accidents pertain to traffic, not weather conditions.
Continue reading to learn more about the top three factors that make this job risky.
1. Crowded Roads in the Summer
As mentioned above, the traffic in the highways during the summer claims more lives and results in more injuries than road conditions during winter storms. Slow trucks and sluggish RVs on congested highways can frustrate other drivers, and sometimes it leads to collisions. Remember, the heavier the traffic, the higher the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Furthermore, trucks aren’t as nimble or maneuverable as cars and minivans. Sadly, a combination of traffic, aggression, and distracted driving due to phone usage are causing wrecks at an alarming rate.
2. Truck Driver Fatigue
Unfortunately, truck drivers no longer have the luxury of waiting out rush hour traffic by grabbing a meal, taking a nap, or going for a walk. Instead, they have to ride out traffic like everyone else to maximize their eleven hours of allowable driving time within the government-mandated 14-hour window.
Moreover, they must take a mandatory 30-minute break within eight hours of clocking in. Because these workers must follow the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Law, their trucks are ELD-synchronized, meaning that their engines automatically record driving time.
For drivers who work overtime, this means they have to take a break before they reach the six-hour mark; otherwise, they will need to take a second 30-minute break before the 14-hour clock runs out. A trucker’s rest is based on when their truck’s logging device tells them to take a break.
3. Truck Parking Issues
Parking issues can also result in driver fatigue. Consider this: when one must park in an abandoned lot or a makeshift resting place for ten hours, that person might struggle to fall asleep. Additionally, some truck drivers don’t feel comfortable sleeping in random locations because of potential risks, such as robbery.
Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for You
Truck accidents are never easy to deal with, especially if they occur while you’re on the job. You may be entitled to compensation if you’re a trucker who was recently involved in an accident due to another driver’s negligence. One of the experienced auto accident attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you receive the damages you deserve.
Our team has spent over 25 years assisting Utah citizens after motor vehicle accidents. We have offices throughout Utah County, as well as West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.