Driving Too Fast
Just as the effects of distraction are amplified when a driver is behind the wheel of a massive truck, so are the effects of a driver’s actions. Often a trucker will encounter harsh conditions on the road, and for the safety of all involved, he would be best served by slowing down. Such conditions may include wet or icy roads, heavy fog, poorly maintained roads, construction zones, and heavy traffic. But with the pressure of having to make stops and deliveries on top, a driver may think he is skilled enough to drive fast and still be safe.
This is not the case. In an instant, poor driving conditions can cause a trucker to lose control and collide with other vehicles on the road. Trucks with loaded trailers are particularly vulnerable at high speeds because they have higher centers of gravity. Suddenly hitting the brakes can cause the load to shift and the entire truck to skid or rollover.
Inadequate Surveillance and the “No-Zone”
Inadequate surveillance occurs when a driver fails to take into account every aspect of a situation before he makes a maneuver. He might not observe his surroundings carefully enough before taking a turn, or he might fail to look at all.
Eighteen wheelers have massive blind spots, also called ‘no-zones’. A passenger car can be completely invisible to a driver when it is in the blind spot, and there are many such blind spots in every direction. According to studies, accidents between cars and 18-wheelers are 60% more likely to occur when the car is in the truck’s blind spot of no-zone. Truck drivers need to be properly trained to drive their trucks, and need to call upon their training in every such situation. A truck driver needs to maintain full attention on the road so he may be able to anticipate the actions of other drivers on the road. He must exercise extra caution while doing seemingly simple things such as making a turn or changing lanes.
If you were in a car accident with a truck, it is quite possible that inadequate surveillance contributed to the accident. It is important that you note down the details of your accident as soon as you are safely able to do so. Time and the shock you have likely undergone can erode the fresh memories that are important in building your case. A truck driver can and should be held responsible for any of his actions that contributed to your accident.
Evasive Action
There are some situations even the most skilled and attentive truck driver can not avoid, and this is where it is important that a truck driver be trained enough to act quickly and appropriately to avoid or minimize serious consequences. A properly trained driver should be able to utilize braking and steering maneuvers.
Did a truck driver’s actions contribute to your accident? A seasoned Dallas truck accident attorney from Kirkendall Dwyer LLP can provide the immediate information you need to help you began your recovery.
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