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Unfortunately, crashes and accidents on the road are all too common in America today. If you drive for a living, especially in a vehicle such as a commercial truck, this is something you’ll need to pay close attention to. Keeping yourself and other road users safe is a big part of your job.
This article will take a look at truck accidents in the US. How frequent they are, what causes them, and what some possible ramifications can be.
If you’re a truck driver who’s conscious and committed to being safe on the road, this guide is for you. Read on to learn everything you need to know.
Contents
How Frequent Are Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents are big events whenever they do occur. The sheer size of the vehicles means they have a higher potential to cause damage and a greater capability to disrupt traffic. But how often does a truck accident occur?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association happens to keep pretty good track of truck accidents in the US. From their data, we can see the true nature of just how frequent truck accidents are.
In 2019, there were around 510,000 crashes involving large trucks reported to the police. These crashes tended to occur most often in rural areas and on Interstates. Between 2010 and 2019 (the last year data are available for) the number of fatal truck crashes per million people in the US increased by almost 30%.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
Of course, in any job people will make mistakes. The job of a truck driver is no different. Many crashes occur due to simple human error or bad luck.
However, there are often other factors at play. For example, when drivers are tested for drugs after crashes, often, the presence of one or more drugs is detected. Other common causes include carelessness, drowsiness, and speeding.
If you want to avoid getting in a crash as a truck driver, you should make sure to avoid speeding, rest when tired, and never, ever drive while under the influence. You should also make sure to wear your safety belt at all times.
Common Injuries
The number of injuries coming from truck crashes is actually on the decline. This is good news, but you should still make sure to take extra care. If you do become injured in a semi-truck accident, it can be serious.
If you suffer an injury after a truck crash, you’ll need to seek medical attention immediately. You should also report the injury to both the police and to your employer. In this case, you may want to take on the services of a semi-truck accident lawyer as well.
Keep on Trucking: Stay Safe on the Road
In order for you to do your job, and keep yourself and other road users safe, you should take extra care to avoid truck accidents. Follow the law and the instructions of your employer, and make sure to stay vigilant and stay safe. If you’ve enjoyed this guide, check out the rest of our content.
