Truck accidents only account for a small percentage of the traffic accidents on our roads. However, the impact of these accidents can be much larger than your average traffic collision. They are more likely to cause severe injuries and deaths. These accidents also tend to have higher economic costs.

For trucking firms, the impact of an accident can be even more severe. You might have to deal with expensive litigation after the fact. There is also the potential for significant disruptions to operations as the vehicle and driver may be off the road for a time. For that reason, an understanding of truck accident causes is essential.

According to a truck accident attorney, “The causes of many truck accidents are similar to the causes of other vehicle accidents. But with large commercial trucks, there are additional concerns. Their size and weight mean they require more skill to operate. There are also additional factors in commercial trucking that may increase risks.”

This post will explore some common causes of truck accidents and what they mean for safety and prevention.

Actions of Other Motorists

You can’t ignore the actions of other motorists when discussing the causes of commercial truck accidents. The reality is that more than half of all accidents involving commercial trucks and other vehicles are the other driver’s fault. A study from the FMCSA found that the other driver was at fault in 56% of these accidents.

That means drivers should learn about these issues and ways other motorists may pose a risk. Teach them about how other motorists may cut them off or how they tend to ride in blind spots. When drivers are aware of these issues, they can do more to look out for them and avoid accidents.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving can significantly increase the risk of truck accidents. These behaviors include speeding, tailgating, and quick lane changes. Due to the size and blind spots of trucks, these driving behaviors are even more dangerous than in other vehicles. Drivers must be taught to maintain speed limits and drive calmly and carefully.

Improper Maintenance and Mechanical Failure

Just like any machine, commercial trucks have risks for mechanical failure. With a large vehicle like that, a failing part can quickly lead to a loss of control. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions can lead to catastrophic accidents. What makes these events even more dangerous is that they often occur suddenly and without warning.

Mechanical failure can occur for many reasons. In some cases, a part just fails or is poorly designed. However, improper maintenance is one of the leading causes of mechanical failure in trucks. That means routine maintenance is one of the most important parts of fleet management. Drivers should also be trained to perform pre-trip inspections.

Poor Weather and Road Conditions

Adverse weather and poor road conditions can increase risks for any vehicle. However, the size and weight of commercial trucks make these factors an even greater concern. Issues like rain, snow, and ice can make roads slippery. Fog and heavy rain can also impact visibility for truck drivers. Strong winds can also destabilize trucks and make them harder to handle. Drivers must be taught to reduce speeds, increase following distances, and exercise caution during these conditions.

Lack of or Improper Training

You can’t overstate the importance of proper training for truck drivers. These vehicles require a much higher degree of skill to operate. Along with the basics of truck operation, training ensures drivers know how to respond to things like poor weather or bad driving from other motorists. It also includes lessons that may help them identify mechanical problems. Without this training, drivers may struggle with vehicle control or not understand how to respond in critical situations.

Improper Loading

When it comes to the causes of truck accidents, we may overlook the cargo. However, the cargo often weighs as much or more than the truck. If it is improperly loaded, it can affect vehicle control and increase the risk of truck accidents. Unsecured cargo can shift and make trucks difficult to handle. If the load is unbalanced, it could increase the risk of rollover accidents.

The most important tip is to teach drivers and those who may load trucks about proper loading techniques. Drivers should also learn to inspect loads before leaving. They should make sure the load is properly balanced and that heavy items are secured. You may also use various straps or other implements to secure loads.

Driver Inattention

Truck drivers must pay adequate attention when on the road. A few seconds of inattention can set off a chain of events that could lead to a serious accident. Two common issues in this regard are distracted driving and operator fatigue. Both affect driver attention in ways that could be disastrous.

Start by teaching drivers about the risks of distracted driving. Tell them not to use their phones or other devices while driving. Make sure they know to stay parked while filling out paperwork. For fatigue, you must make sure drivers take breaks and set limits for operator hours. It is also important to give drivers enough time to meet deadlines.

Unfamiliar Roads

A driver’s lack of familiarity with a route is an often-overlooked factor contributing to truck accidents. When drivers are new to a route, they are more likely to get lost or be distracted while trying to find their way. They might also be less aware of issues that exist on the roadways if they are new to the area. Training can help mitigate these issues. However, it may help if a driver has a briefing to learn about the route or to send them to the location before they drive a large truck there.

While you can’t eliminate all risks, you can do a lot to prevent accidents with planning and driver education. Beyond helping you avoid truck accident settlements, prevention can ensure efficient operations and save lives.