Truck accidents result in expensive insurance claims
Each year there are thousands of truck accidents that result in expensive insurance claims, lengthy traffic jams, injuries and fatalities. An easy and common assumption to make is that the truck owner operators are almost always at fault, simply due to the sheer size of their vehicles. But statistics reveal that is not the case - large trucks are involved in fewer accidents than other types of vehicles (per 100 million miles driven), but these accidents have a higher rate of fatalities.
Not as Many Trucks as You Would Think
8.9 million people in the U.S. are employed in trucking-related jobs at trucking companies, warehouse and the private sector. Of those 8.9 million, nearly 3.5 million were truck drivers. It’s interesting to note that UPS employs 60,000 workers and of that 60,000, only 9% are truck operators. There are an estimated 1.2 million trucking companies in the U.S. 97% of those companies operate 20 or fewer trucks.
Fatalities Caused by Trucks
While the number of trucks on U.S. roads has increased to a great extent over the years, statistics show that the number of deaths resulting from truck accidents has remained more or less the same - about 5,000 deaths each year. Still, efforts should and must be taken to reduce the amount of these fatalities.
Efforts Taken to Decrease Fatalities
Trucks should be well maintained by truck drivers and trucking companies. Truck drivers should practice disciplined driving. Other drivers of small vehicles and passenger cars should also learn the techniques of defensive driving in relation to trucks. With combined efforts from everyone operating the wheel of a vehicle, the amount of fatalities can be reduced.
Additional Tips for Safe Driving
Additionally; truck drivers should slow down in work zones, keep their distance from other cars, and be aware of their “no-zones.” Drivers of passenger cars should make every effort to avoid driving in the blind spots around trucks. Drivers should avoid passing a truck on the right when the truck is turning right. Finally, drivers must observe a truck’s turn signals, use appropriate passing procedures, and never cut off a truck. Any dangerous driving, whether a truck or a smaller vehicle should be reported to the proper authorities.
Personal Injury Attorneys PLLC
Website
