Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

 

When a truck collides with a passenger vehicle, even a seemingly minor accident can lead to devastating results. With commercial trucks accounting for 12% of traffic fatalities, this type of collision proves risky for Florida drivers.

Southport Truck Group is here to minimize the following occurrences, whether it is routine maintenance, Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections, or selling you the latest trucks with Detroit Assurance safety technology built in.

Statistical Overview

Every 15 minutes, a person is killed or seriously injured in a commercial truck accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 439,000 truck accidents occur annually in the United States. In 2020, an estimated 4,965 individuals lost their lives in commercial truck crashes, 63% involving two or more vehicles and 30% of crashes occurring on interstates.

Unfortunately, the Florida statistics are just as dismal. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), 32 people died, and 134 others suffered incapacitating injuries in heavy- and medium-truck collisions in 2020. Of these accidents, 61% occurred in rural areas. 

 

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Multiple factors can contribute to commercial truck accidents on Florida roadways. While some are uncontrollable, such as poor weather conditions, many are preventable.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

·         Distracted driving. Even truck drivers can be distracted by the temptation of a cell phone on the open road. Texting, checking GPS, and making phone calls can lead to major accidents. Drivers can also be distracted by eating on the road to save time, which is dangerous and violates the strict regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the regulatory arm of the trucking industry.

·         Driving under the influence. According to the NHTSA, 3% t of fatal truck accidents involved intoxicated drivers. Impaired drivers can cause serious injuries, especially when they collide with a commercial truck weighing 80,000 pounds.

·         Driver fatigue. Truckers under pressure to deliver goods on time can push the limits of their bodies. Tired drivers may have slower reflexes, difficulty concentrating, slower reaction time, and even fall asleep behind the wheel. As a result, FMCSA has established hours-of-service regulations with mandatory rest periods to help reduce traffic accidents. If a Florida driver causes a collision, they may be responsible for breaking these rules.

·         Speeding. NHTSA data shows that nearly 21% of truck drivers involved in fatal crashes have at least one speeding violation. Speeding can be dangerous, regardless of vehicle type. For example, a fully loaded commercial truck needs 525 feet to stop when traveling at 65 mph in ideal conditions. Passenger vehicles, however, need only 316 feet to stop in the same conditions.

·         Poor maintenance. Heavy- and medium-duty trucks can be complicated and require frequent safety inspections and maintenance. Neglective maintenance is often the cause of mechanical and brake problems, as well as tire blow-outs and brake failures.

·         Inadequate training or hiring practices. Companies must employ appropriately licensed drivers and provide training before operating a truck. If they fail to train their drivers or if drivers don't have proper licensure, they could be held responsible if their inexperience causes an accident.

·         Faulty vehicle parts. If a defect causes a commercial truck collision, you may have a legitimate claim against the manufacturer or automaker.

·         Other drivers. The negligent actions of other drivers can lead to multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks, resulting in injuries or fatalities.

Your Service and Safety Experts

Southport Truck Group is uniquely positioned to serve the commercial truck market like no other dealer on Florida's west coast. Should your heavy- or medium-duty truck need service or repair, our singular focus is to diagnose and fix your problem correctly the first time. We're committed to providing the service you need while getting you back on the road as quickly and safely as possible. 

 

To schedule a service appointment, visit our website or call our Tampa (813-262-0890) or Fort Myers (239-210-9480) locations. 

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Sources

https://www.dhclaw.com/library/common-reasons-for-florida-truck-accidents.cfm

https://www.thelawplace.com/areas-we-serve/florida-personal-injury-attorneys/truck-accidents-florida/

https://www.floridapersonalinjurylawteam.com/truck-accidents-in-florida-heres-what-you-need-to-know/