As a heavy-weight transportation company, ensuring the safety of our drivers and all road users is our top priority. Understanding when, where, and why truck accidents occur is crucial for preventing them.
Learn more about the important safety guidelines with Heavy Weight Transport to help keep our roads safer and provide support to stay informed whether you are a new or experienced truck driver.
When Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Contrary to what many might assume, truck accidents don’t primarily occur during late-night hours. In fact:
- 65% of truck accident-related fatalities happen between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- The highest risk period is between noon and 3 p.m., accounting for nearly 18% of fatal accidents and 22% of injuries. Only 13% of semi-truck crashes involving other vehicles other than trucks happened during this time.
- Thursdays see the most truck accidents, coinciding with peak cargo transportation times. Weekends are known for having the most fatal semi-truck crashes due to high alcohol use.
- Trucks tend to travel at higher speeds at midday than during heavy traffic hours when speed is prohibited due to the amount of cars on the road.
- Recent data suggests that increased vigilance is necessary during daytime hours, especially in the early afternoon when traffic is heavy and fatigue may start to set in.
Accidents that result in fatalities have increasingly involved large trucks — with an increase of nearly 50% over the last 10 years. – National Highway Travel Safety Administration
Where Do Truck Accidents Occur?
You may be surprised that most trucking accidents happen in rural areas. It may make more sense that they would occur on city highways/interstates where traffic is at its all-time high. However, drivers are more likely to be more attentive to their surroundings when in heavily populated areas than in rural areas.
It’s been stated that drivers generally reduce their speed and pay more attention to other vehicles around them on highways/interstates. Additionally, speed limits tend to be lower in city limits. Driving in rural areas can cause truck drivers to speed since there aren’t as many people around, but this often leads to more accidents.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents vary due to the driver behind the wheel. Here are some of the reasons why a truck accident might occur.
- Driver Error: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that 88% of truck-related crashes are due to the error of the driver. This can include speeding, failing to check blind spots before switching lanes, and driver confusion. Other serious mistakes are speeding, distracted driving, and substance abuse. Another major contribution is driver exhaustion. Being sleep-deprived can lead to a high risk of fatigue, which could lead to falling asleep behind the wheel.
- Speeding: Due to the amount of pressure that drivers have to meet deadlines, the drivers normally drive above the speed limit. But driving fast to reach a time period can lead to crashes.
- Driver Fatigue: About 40% of all truck accidents are attributed to fatigue. Drivers have long hours and demanding schedules. Some truck drivers force themselves to stay awake through long drives when they should be taking a break and resting. In addition, truck drivers are often encouraged to drive faster and longer than is safe, often driving in severely hazardous weather and ignoring the conditions to meet deadlines. This leads to losing focus, ignoring safety techniques, and semi-truck crashes.
- Distracted Driver: When you’re driving for hours on end and at long distances, you can get bored behind the wheel. This urge to kill the boredom leads to eating, drinking, daydreaming or even sending a text message.
The most common distraction is using phones to reply to messages or read texts, make phone calls, or visit social media. Changing the radio station while on the road can also be a huge risk while driving. Even one second when a driver takes his eyes off the road can be a difference between safety and an accident.
- Driving while Intoxicated: It is illegal in every state to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are a huge issue that can affect the ability of the driver to do their job properly. Some take substances at stops in towns, while others use the substances while driving. Regardless of how they use these substances, their driving is severely impacted. It’s important to keep in mind that it’s not just illegal drugs but also prescription drugs that can affect things like coordination and judgment.
- Insecure Loads: Whatever product the truck is carrying, the load must be packed and secured tightly so that weight is distributed throughout the truck. If the truck isn’t evenly distributed, it is more likely that the truck will get into an accident. This is especially true when turning or trying to stop. Low-filled liquid loads can also be dangerous, with liquids that can splash around in the partially filled trailer and cause the truck to sway back and forth with turns and changes in speed. If a liquid has a sudden movement, a driver can lose control of the car and cause an accident.
- Lack of training: This leads to dangerous and severe accidents, especially since trucks are heavy and large. Before truck drivers can be allowed to drive huge commercial vehicles on public roads, they are required to put in a certain number of training hours to meet requirements. This is why it is important to get connected with a well-trained trucking company such as Heavy Weight Transport. We will make sure you are safe for the road and can get the training you need.
- Lack of Truck Maintenance: Truck drivers must keep their cars in the best shape. Additionally, 29% of truck accidents involve brake failure from lack of maintenance, faulty inspection, condensation, and overheating. Truck companies are required by the government to keep track of their brake conditions to avoid accidents. In addition, tire maintenance is equally important as tires can often lead to accidents. Flaws in design, poor maintenance, and lack of proper inspection can cause tire blowouts.
Truck accidents are scary, especially when they become fatal. The good news is that they can be prevented by driving safely and by making sure that you have enough training and communication with your trucking company before you hit the road. Always make careful and responsible decisions to ensure a safe ride to your destination. By being aware of these factors, drivers can take proactive steps to mitigate risks and ensure safer journeys for everyone on the road.
As a trusted national transportation company, we prioritize safety at all times. Stay alert, follow regulations, and always err on the side of caution. Your vigilance not only protects you but also safeguards other drivers and your reputation.
At Heavy Weight Transport, we do everything we can to ensure our drivers feel safe on the road. Learn more about company driver and owner-operator driving positions with us.
