People in Louisiana know that trucks help keep America running. They can deliver goods to towns where rivers and railways just don’t go. However, they may not know that trucking is becoming more dangerous. In spite of safety advances that have made most automobiles safer, large trucks are having more fatal accidents. In fact, 2019 was the deadliest year on record for truckers since the 1980s.
Accident prevention for truckers
There are risks on the road for all drivers. Truckers, however, are essentially driving weapons. Large trucks are classified as 10,000 lbs or more. If one of them hits a smaller vehicle or a stationary object, that can mean real devastation. So even more than other drivers, it’s important for the operators of large trucks to maintain the speed limit and proper stopping distances.
Unfortunately, there are more distractions for drivers than ever before. The biggest one may well be smartphones. People expect to be able to reach each other at all times now. Calls and especially texting on the road are dangerous.
Fatigue is another big culprit when it comes to large truck accidents. Contractors work long shifts and then get behind the wheel of heavy-duty pickups. Truckers want to make all their stops on time. Though safety advocates recommend breaks every few hours, that often doesn’t happen.
Finally, there’s a lack of research into the issue. The American Trucking Association would like to see the federal government investigate the increase in fatal accidents. There has been no such study in almost 15 years.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a large truck accident, contact an attorney. They can help you understand what damages you may be entitled to. Remember, insurance company lawyers benefit from low-balling victims. You need your own advocate.