Holiday Deliveries Increase Truck Accident Risks
Now that the winter holiday season is here, grocery stores will be stocking up so that shoppers can buy the supplies they need. Meanwhile, shopping malls and retail outlets will be busy making sure they have all the latest items likely to show up on gift lists. As a result, motorists should expect to see an increase in truck drivers on the road, who will be busy trying to keep up with demands. Unfortunately, these holiday deliveries increase truck accident risks, which can result in serious and potentially life-threatening personal injuries. Be aware of the dangers and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Despite ongoing concerns over COVID-19, it is gearing up to be a busy holiday season. Between local stores who need frequent deliveries and the increased amount of online shopping due to the pandemic, motorists should expect to see an increase in trucks of all sizes on the road. They also need to be alert to the risks.
Truck accidents are common, and considering the large size of most big rigs, it is generally other drivers involved who typically suffer the most harm. According to statistics from the National Safety Council (NSC), truck accidents claim the lives of nearly 5,000 people while leaving tens of thousands of other victims suffering serious personal injuries. Common causes of these crashes include:
Reckless behavior on the part of the driver, such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence
Drowsy driving and falling asleep behind the wheel
Uneven loads, which increase rollover truck accident risks
Lack of truck maintenance, resulting in tire blow-outs, brake failures, and other dangerous malfunctions
Trucking company policies, such as requiring overly demanding schedules and not providing proper breaks.
Protecting Yourself Against Truck Accidents
One of the simplest ways to reduce your truck accident risks is by giving truck drivers plenty of room on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) warns that due to their size, trucks have large blind spots known as “no-zones.” When a motorist gets too close either in front, behind, or in opposing lanes, they disappear completely from the driver’s view. You should also give truck drivers plenty of space when making turns or when navigating small spaces, such as parking lots. Backing up to unload or trying to pull into traffic all require additional space, and getting too close is likely to put you in harm’s way.
Another way to protect yourself is by signaling your intentions to nearby truckers. Trucks generally require additional time to slow down, make stops, or otherwise respond to traffic changes. Use your turn signals when changing lanes and brake early so that truck drivers have time to respond.
Let Us Help You Today
Unfortunately, holiday deliveries increase truck accident risks. And, despite your precautions, truck accidents can still happen. But when they do, the Surasky Law Firm is here to help you get the compensation you need to recover. To request a consultation, contact our Aiken truck accident attorney today.
