People who drive for a living are often some of the most skilled drivers. They are experienced at being behind a wheel for hours at a time and are taught to safely operate large and heavy loads.
Each year, however, commercial vehicles are responsible for the fatality and injury of thousands of people. Read on to learn more about what contributes to this problem.
Contributing factors to commercial vehicle accidents
This list, while not exhaustive, includes 5 of the main reasons why commercial vehicle accidents happen:
1. Driving while tired
Commercial vehicle drivers often find themselves on the road for hours at a time. Combining this with the high levels of concentration that come with driving can lead drivers to be less responsive or even fall asleep at the wheel.
2. Careless or distracted driving
This includes anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the road. For example, it may be texting or talking on the phone, eating, drinking and talking to passengers.
3. Traffic violations
Commercial drivers who run red lights, make unsafe maneuvers and speed are all significant contributing factors to the cause of car accidents.
4. Reckless driving
Angry or reckless driving such as tailgating or changing lanes without signaling can all cause accidents between commercial vehicles and other road users.
5. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
In the US, one person dies in a drink-drive accident every 45 minutes. With statistics like that, it’s no surprise that it can be a cause of commercial vehicle accidents.
Where a commercial vehicle driver has caused an accident, the injured party is entitled to seek substantial damages to compensate them for the harm caused. Seeking some legal guidance in this situation helps to ensure your legal rights are protected.