In 2006, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published a report suggesting that although safety standards in the trucking industry are improving, traffic accidents involving trucks continue to claim many lives. In fact, according to the truck, one out of every 20 truck drivers will be in a serious truck accident. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration report, each year there are 141, 000 truck accidents across the country, and in about 77, 000 cases the collision is due to some action on the part of the driver. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the most common causes of truck accidents are:
1) Use of prescription medications. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, use of prescription drugs contributes to about 26% of truck accidents. Many Florida car accidents and truck accidents could be prevented if drivers were more open in communicating with their doctors and pharmacists about the side effects of the medications they are taking.
2) Speed. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, excessive speed plays a role in 23% of truck accidents. Many Florida truck accidents and car accidents are caused by truck drivers simply traveling too fast. Since trucks take longer to stop than passenger vehicles, drivers who speed are simply often unable to stop in time to prevent an accident. Trucks that speed are also more likely to lose control or roll over.
3) Unfamiliarity with roads or location. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, lack of familiarity causes about 22% of truck accidents. Modern technology may be able to help, with GPS devices and street view websites which allow drivers to become familiar with an area before getting in their vehicle.
4) Over-the-counter medications. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, over-the-counter medicine and drugs contribute to about 18% of truck accidents. Many over-the-counter medications cause drowsiness and sleepiness, which is why it is important to read warning labels and speak to a pharmacist before using any medications.
5) Too little surveillance. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, inadequate surveillance contributes to 14% of truck accidents. The trucking industry has many methods of surveillance – including truck “black boxes” and driver logs – to monitor drivers, but additional surveillance may help prevent Florida pedestrian accidents and truck accidents.
6) Driver fatigue. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, fatigue is a primary cause of about 15% of truck accidents. Hectic schedules and per-mile pay may encourage drivers to drive when fatigued, causing more accidents. As well, some medical conditions can affect sleep, leading to drowsiness behind the wheel.
7) Violations of traffic rules. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, illegal driving behaviors and flouting of traffic rules contribute to about 9% of all truck accidents. Drivers who are correctly trained know the rules and are prepared to follow them. Some experts have also suggested that drivers with good safety records should be compensated for safe driving to encourage all drivers to follow the rules.
8) Distracted driving. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, distracted driving is a contributing factor in the majority of accidents. Distractions outside of the car – such as rubbernecking for accidents – leads to about 8% of truck accidents.
9) Lack of collision avoidance actions. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, lack of evasive actions to prevent a collision leads to about 7% of truck accidents. In many cases, drivers fail to avoid an accident due to inadequate training or because fatigue or distraction prevent them from reacting in time.
10) Aggressive driving. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, about 7% of truck accidents are caused by aggressive driving, including tailgating, speeding, and cutting other drivers off.
If you have been in a Florida trucking accident, contact the legal team at the Flaxman Law Group for immediate help. As a full-service law firm, the Flaxman Law Group has successfully helped Florida truck accident survivors in Miami, Homestead, Hollywood, and the Southern Florida area. Contact the Flaxman Law Group to discuss your case in a free, no-obligation consultation.