The transportation industry is a massive force that quite literally drives commerce in our country. According to Bureau of Transportation Statistics for June 2018, the transportation industry was powered mostly by large semi-trucks, which were responsible for the transportation of $66.6 billion of freight in June 2018, an increase of 5.3% over the previous year, showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. Considering 62.7% of the country’s freight depends on semi-truck transportation in order to survive, the volume of large trucks seen on roads and highways across the country can be put into perspective. Texas is unique in that it is one of the largest states in the country and is home to five major metropolitan cities. Texas’ major cities are crucial to the supply and demand of goods not only for our state but for the entire country as well. Because of this, a large amount of cargo is transported along Texas roads and highways at any given moment. For Texans, this means learning to share the road with semi-trucks – and their potential for accidents – is a part of daily life.
How Likely Is an Accident?
The likelihood of being involved in a semi-truck accident depends on a variety of factors, and there is no way to predict or guarantee the occurrence of such an event. Drivers can only be prepared and educated on safe driving practices – as well as driving conditions that could increase the potential for an accident such as time of day and weather. The fact is that while driving is routine for many, operating a vehicle should still be taken seriously, regardless of a driver’s age or experience. Understanding the causes of semi-truck accidents gives drivers and passengers greater insight to semi-truck vulnerabilities and how to avoid them.
Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
Although semi-trucks are large, high-powered vehicles, they remain sensitive to their environment. As the demand for goods increases, so does the need for semi-trucks to transport them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large truck-related accidents led to 4,102 deaths in 2017 – a 52% increase since 2009. These accidents occurred for various reasons, but the following were reported as most common factors.
Defective tires were cited as a cause of 30% of semi-truck accidents. Although semi-trucks have far more wheels than most vehicles, a defect in a single tire is enough to cause a catastrophic truck crash. When a truck has a blowout or tire mishap, its cabin and cargo load will be disrupted, potentially causing a chain reaction of events that can lead to a semi-truck accident.
Driver fatigue is a major cause of accidents in the transportation industry. Truck drivers are often required to make long hauls on short deadlines, often leaving them without the adequate amount of sleep necessary to safely focus and maneuver a vehicle of that size. Fatigued drivers can function as poorly as impaired drivers when it comes to controlling a vehicle and reaction timing.
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol causes unnecessary and preventable semi-truck accidents annually. Unfortunately, many truck drivers attempt to combat driver fatigue with illegal substances, which is illegal and highly dangerous.
Regular maintenance and inspection help prevent semi-truck accidents. These big rigs should be subject to regular and routine inspection and maintenance, before and after trips. This ensures a truck is properly functioning and equipped to handle the distance and load it will haul. Although this is a simple step, many transportation companies fail to undertake it, as it requires additional time and cost if repairs are needed. This means hundreds or thousands of unfit trucks hauling cargo are sent out on roads every day.
Rio Grande Valley Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys
The Rio Grande Valley sees its fair share of semi-trucks hauling goods across the Texas, but this should not mean that South Texas drivers have to live in fear of semi-truck accidents. The transportation industry must ensure all vehicles and drivers are fit to safely travel the roads with others, regardless of the cost of driver training and vehicle maintenance. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a semi truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Rio Grande Valley semi-truck accident attorneys of Ezequiel Reyna Law Office today to discuss your case. There is limited time to act following an accident in Texas, so don’t delay.
