As a driver, there have probably been times when you’ve felt intimidated driving next to a truck. They can make you feel dwarfed by their sheer size and it’s hard not to think about what might happen if they suddenly lost control.
In 2020, just over 4000 people died in accidents involving trucks, a number which is far too high. But, what’s the reason why these accidents even happen?
Driver fatigue
In 2019, 36% of all large truck fatalities happened between the hours of 6 pm and 6 am. Many truck drivers keep going through the night as the roads are generally quieter and, on many occasions, they need to keep driving in order to make it to their destination on time.
Doing so much driving in one stretch is tiring and can cause truck drivers to have reduced response times or worse, fall asleep at the wheel. This can have very serious consequences for both the truck driver and other road users.
Negligent and erratic driving
Sometimes it can be difficult to predict what other drivers are going to do next. The same can be said for truck drivers. Accidents can happen as a result of them changing lanes without warning and with no indication. Other dangerous driving behaviors to be aware of include:
- Speeding
- Sudden braking or acceleration
- Drifting between lanes
- Taking turns too sharply
If you notice any of these behaviors, it is a good idea to hold back and give the truck plenty of space. If they brake suddenly or switch lanes without warning, you will then have enough time to plan for their actions and move accordingly.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a truck, it can cause irreparable damage to your vehicle and serious injury. In the event the accident was not your fault, you could be entitled to compensation.