The most common cause of trucking accidents is driver error. It must be noted that drivers of large trucks are ten times more likely to be the cause of a crash than other factors such as weather, road conditions or vehicle performance. This is according to a study released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which found that “the action or failure to action by drivers was the critical reason for 88% of crashes. Human error includes factors such as the use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, speeding, fatigue, distractions, work environment and unfamiliarity with the road. All of these contribute to driver error.”The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study also examined factors that cause truck drivers to make such errors. The study found that of all truck accidents caused by driver error:
?44% involved truckers who were taking prescription and/or over-the-counter drugs
?23% involved drivers travelling too fast for conditions
?18% were caused by driver fatigue
In respect of fatigue, it results in truck drivers falling asleep, being inattentive, misjudging gaps, ignoring the signs of impending dangers, panicking, freezing and under or overreacting to a situation. While fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents, it is also the most preventable. It is important to note that federal regulations set out rules to ensure that truck drivers get the necessary rest and restorative sleep so as to drive safely. Under such regulations, ‘truck drivers can only work a maximum of fourteen hours a day during which time they can only drive for a maximum of eleven hours’. Therefore, the driver must be off duty for ten consecutive hours before the start of the next shift. In addition, the driver must not drive after being on duty for sixty hours in seven consecutive days or seventy hours in eight consecutive days. If you are involved in an accident where you suspect that the truck driver fell asleep or failed to react properly, there is need to prove this based on the driver’s actions or failure to act. In order to get an experienced truck accident personal injury lawyer follow the link: hire best personal injury lawyer near me.
When it comes to the use of drugs, drivers may not use any controlled substances unless these are prescribed by a licensed physician who is familiar with the driver’s medical history and assigned duties. Further, the licensed physician has to determine that the drug use will not adversely affect the driver’s ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. It is a federal regulation requirement that trucking companies:
?Test their drivers for alcohol and drug use as a condition of employment
?Carry out periodic random tests of the driver’s while they are on duty and after an accident involving a fatality
While driver error accounts for up to 88% of traffic accidents, some factors relating to driver error are avoidable.
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