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Truck accidents can have devastating effects, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. As one of the busiest states for truck traffic due to its key geographic location and extensive road network, understanding Arizona’s statistics on such events is critical.
Truck accidents can be catastrophic because of their large size and heavy weight. Comprehending the most common causes behind such incidents is challenging, but helpful for prevention. Some of the most common include the following:
Fatigue emerges as one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Drivers, under pressure to meet deadlines or overextend their hours on the road, may suffer from sleep deprivation that significantly impairs reaction times and alertness.
Engaging in activities such as texting while driving often distracts truck drivers, leading to fatal consequences. Eating meals or changing radio stations are also subtle yet very real distractions capable of causing serious accidents.
Improperly loaded cargo can create an imbalance in a heavy vehicle like a truck, making it difficult for drivers when attempting turns thereby increasing the chances of rollovers. Additionally, loads shedding off mid-transit also pose hazards potentially causing secondary collisions amongst trailing vehicles.
Failure to inspect vehicles and perform maintenance can have disastrous consequences. For example, worn-out tires may blow out or faulty brakes might not respond during sudden stops – both of which are scenarios that significantly contribute to truck accidents.
Weather conditions like rain, snowfall, or even high winds can compromise road safety significantly, causing trucks to crash. These large vehicles are also more prone to incidents during night hours where visibility is less conducive to safe driving in comparison with daytime driving.
Inadequate driver training is another common cause of truck accidents. It’s essential that drivers not only know how to operate their vehicles under normal conditions but also when faced with unexpected situations or challenging weather circumstances. If a driver hasn’t received proper training, they may be ill-equipped to handle such situations safely and effectively, leading to accidents.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a far too common cause of truck accidents. Impairing judgment, reducing motor skills, and affecting focus, driving while intoxicated can make maintaining control over such large vehicles challenging, which in turn elevates risks for severe and fatal accidents.
Accidents involving trucks and buses can have significant consequences. Here are some important truck accident statistics for the years 2021 and 2022 in Arizona:
These numbers underscore the importance of road safety, especially when it comes to large vehicles like trucks and buses.
Preventing truck accidents requires taking extra precautions due to their larger size and weight as compared to other passenger vehicles. Here are key strategies to prevent truck accidents:
Keeping a safe distance is essential when driving near large trucks. Trucks take considerably longer to come to a stop compared to passenger vehicles due to their larger size and weight. Following too closely behind a truck – tailgating – could result in an accident if the truck suddenly stops or slows down.
Additionally, maintaining sufficient distance provides you with improved visibility of the road ahead around the truck. It also allows ample time for you to react properly and make necessary adjustments whenever there are quick changes in road conditions or traffic flow.
Regularly using your vehicle’s mirrors is essential for maintaining awareness of your surroundings on the road, particularly when driving near large trucks.
Because these larger vehicles have substantial blind spots where they can’t see other cars – to the side, behind, and even directly in front sometimes – you should regularly check all mirrors to keep tabs on a truck’s position relative to yours. Be aware of not only what’s happening in front but also at the sides and back of your vehicle.
Staying visible while driving around trucks is crucial because as mentioned earlier, big rigs have more significant blind spots than passenger vehicles. Avoid lingering beside or too close behind a truck where it may be difficult for its driver to see you. If you cannot see their face through their side mirror, there’s a high chance that they can’t see you either.
Avoiding distracted driving is critical to preventing accidents, especially around large trucks. Distractions can take your focus away from safe vehicle operation and reduce the time you have to react in an emergency.
Employers should establish and enforce safety policies, including driver fatigue management, proper training, and record keeping. Truck drivers should be proactive in understanding and following these policies to ensure a safer work environment and roads for everyone.
If you’ve unfortunately been a victim in a truck accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s essential to follow specific steps to protect yourself. First and foremost, immediately seek medical assistance for any injuries, even seemingly minor ones, as not all damages are apparent initially.
Report the incident promptly by calling law enforcement agencies; obtaining an official crash report can be instrumental evidence later during claims processes or lawsuits.
If you’re able to, gather evidence from the scene such as photographs capturing vehicle damage or road conditions at that moment while also noting down driver details (like their name and insurance information).
Lastly but crucially important is seeking advice from an experienced truck accident attorney in Phoenix.
If you need help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.