Collisions involving large commercial trucks and passenger vehicles are among the worst wrecks possible. The difference in size and weight often produces catastrophic damage to the smaller vehicle.
While drivers generally want to avoid any type of collision, preventing crashes that carry the highest degree of risk should be a priority. Semi-truck collisions can cause debilitating or fatal injuries and may also total passenger vehicles.
Drivers who are aware of what causes these collisions can be more proactive about preventing them. What are the leading causes of semi-truck collisions?
1. Mistakes by other drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recognizes that large trucks are responsible for slightly more than half of the commercial crashes that occur. However, many of the collisions are the fault of other motorists. Drivers who stay in blind spots for too long or cut semi-trucks off in traffic could cause collisions with disastrous results.
2. Commercial driver mistakes
When looking at the FMCSA’s analysis of collisions caused by commercial vehicles, mistakes by the commercial driver are the top cause of collisions. Exceeding the speed limit or failing to yield at an intersection are seemingly minor mistakes that could have catastrophic consequences for others.
3. Surveillance failures
The second most common reason that commercial vehicles cause collisions involves insufficient observation of surroundings. The failure to check blind spots or the visual distraction of the truck driver could result in them overlooking key details in traffic and then causing a collision.
4. Driver non-performance
When truck drivers spend hours on the road, they may have experiences that render them incapable of performing their jobs effectively. A commercial truck operator who falls asleep at the wheel cannot maintain control as they should. Drivers who have allergic reactions, heart attacks and other medical emergencies may also become incapable of operating a commercial truck safely.
5. Vehicle issues
The FMCSA estimates that approximately 10% of commercial vehicle crashes occur due to issues with the vehicle itself. Tire blowouts, brake failures and improperly loaded trailers are all vehicle issues that could cause collisions.
Motorists who are aware of the factors that are within their control and outside of their control can better focus their safety efforts in traffic. Understanding the underlying cause of a semi-truck collision can help people reduce their risk of a crash or handle the aftermath of a wreck. With that said, those involved in semi-truck crashes often need help handling a complex insurance claim or taking legal action in pursuit of financial compensation, and that’s okay.
