Common Types of Truck Accidents and How to Avoid Them

Nearly 3.5 million truck drivers fill America’s roads and serve as an integral part of the nation’s economy. Unfortunately, truck accidents pose a significant risk to other motorists and pedestrians. Truck accidents are much more dangerous than typical passenger car crashes, due to their bigger size and weight. 

In 2013, there were 30,057 fatal automobile crashes on the nations’ highways, 12.7% of them (3,806) involved at least one large truck or bus. In addition, there were an estimate of 5,657,000 non-fatal crashes and 6.8% of them (385,000) involved a large truck or bus, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Administration.

So, we can conclude that truck driving is one of the most dangerous occupation and truck drivers must take extra safety measures. 

Below are some of the most common types of truck accidents:

Jackknife 

In some cases when you hit the brakes fast and hard, the trailer skids outward. This can cause a serious accident involving other cars, damaging property and inflict injuries. What you can do is focus on the road, pay attention at all times, comply with the road and weather conditions. If the road is slippery you need to reduce the speed and keep a proper distance with other vehicles. 

Truck Rollovers

Due to its higher center of gravity, the truck can roll over easily. Usually it happens when the driver loses control of his truck. Again, to prevent this you should pay attention to the specifics of the road.

Tire Blowout 

Tire blowouts can happen with any vehicle, anytime. It can be caused by numerous of reasons, but in order to prevent an accident you should always keep both hands on the steering wheel and hold it tight.

Wide Turn 

When facing a sharp turn, sometimes the driver swings left to make a right turn. The truck can collide with other vehicles and cause major accident. Avoid sharp turns and if you need to make them, make sure that everyone else on the road will know what you are doing. 

Blind Spots 

There’s a certain point on the side mirror called blind spot. If another vehicle is in that spot when you change lanes, it can cause an accident. What you can do is avoid changing lanes at all cost. If you can’t you can use additional equipment that can reduce the blind spots.

Rear-end

It happens when you fail to stop fast enough and collide with the vehicle in front. You should know exactly how much braking path you need and keep the proper distance anytime. 

Lost Load

Improperly loaded freight and secured truck loads can fall out. This can lead to a serious or even multi-car accident. Always go the extra mile on securing the load of your truck.

T-Bone

T-Bone is when a truck driver runs a red light or ignore a stop sign and hit another vehicle’s side. Always follow the rules, don’t run red lights ever or ignore stop signs.

We can deduct that major truck accidents are caused mainly by fatigue, alcohol and drug use, poor truck maintenance, overspeeding and distraction. So be advised not to use any alcohol and drugs, not only when you’re driving a truck, but ever. Take good care of your truck, follow the rules, take brakes, pay attention to the road and comply with the weather conditions. It can save you a lot of trouble.