Researchers Work to Reduce Crashes Involving Commercial Trucks

August 15, 2012

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidents remain one of the top causes of death in the United States. Unintentional accidents, like car and truck accidents, are responsible for over 118,000 deaths every year.

Many of these accidents involve large trucks and smaller passenger cars. Accidents involving trucks can be particularly devastating based on simple physics. A typical commercial truck far outweighs a common passenger vehicle. In fact, the average difference in weight is well over 70,000 pounds. This weight difference can vary based on the type and amount of cargo in each truck.

Because of this massive weight disparity, the passenger vehicle is more likely to suffer serious damage and those within the vehicle more likely to suffer potentially fatal injuries.

In an attempt to reduce these accidents, researchers are taking a closer look at automobile crashes with large trucks. Although these trucks make up only 3 percent of the registered vehicles in the United States, a 2009 report by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) noted this relatively small number of trucks was responsible for "one out of every 10 traffic fatalities in the U.S."

The current study, conducted by two Kansas State University civil engineers, is not the first of its kind. In 2007, the FMCSA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a similar study. The study was called the Large Truck Crash Causation Study and provided information regarding truck crashes that occurred between 2001 and 2003. It was designed to examine causes of serious crashes involving large trucks.

In addition to providing more current information, the new study may aid legislators in further refining safety guidelines provided to truck drivers in an effort to reduce these accidents. Ultimately, the researchers hope that they will not only aid in the development of new safety guidelines, but will also be able to provide truck drivers with educational tools to cut down on the occurrence of accidents involving commercial trucks.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

Any car accident is a complex event and deciphering the exact cause of a crash can be difficult. Most accidents are impacted by the driver's experience level, quality of the highway or roadway traveled on at the time of the accident and weather conditions.

According to the FMCSA's study, driver performance is a critical reason for 87 percent of accidents involving trucks. Driver performance includes a variety of factors, such as fatigue, inattention, distraction or using poor driving techniques to avoid an accident. Poor driving techniques range from driving too fast to using poor braking techniques in an attempt to avoid an accident.

Other factors that played a role in these accidents included brake problems, sudden congestion on the highway and poorly maintained roadways.

Researchers working on the more recent study focused on similar aspects that lead to accidents. They reviewed driver actions and road conditions as well as both vehicle and environmental characteristics.

In their study, they found that specific driver actions contributed to 73 percent of the reviewed accidents. This category was similar to FMCSA's earlier finding on driver performance, but took an even closer look at specific actions as opposed to issues like fatigue.

Top truck accident causes related to the driver's actions include:
- Switching lanes
- Passing other vehicles
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way

The researchers are now beginning phase two of their project. They intend to more closely evaluate how these factors contribute to accidents and provide suggestions on reducing their occurrence.

Liability Issues with Truck Accident

If you or a loved one is injured in a commercial truck accident, compensation may be available to cover medical and rehabilitative expenses from a number of different sources.

Research indicates that truck drivers are often responsible for the accidents in which they are involved. However, it is important to note that the driver may not be the only party responsible. Vehicle failures, like falling cargo or defective brakes, also lead to catastrophic accidents. In such cases, if these failures result in an accident, the trucking or shipping company may be liable for any resulting injuries.

Additionally, an accident may be made significantly worse due to the nature of the cargo carried by the commercial truck. In these situations, the manufacturer or shipper may also be liable for injuries. This is particularly true if, for example, the shipper failed to inform the trucking company of the presence of hazardous material in the cargo.

Navigating the complex issues and determining potentially liable parties associated with a trucking accident can be difficult. Every situation is unique, but taking the time to discuss your accident and injuries with an experienced truck accident attorney can help you determine the path that is best for you and better ensure that your legal rights and remedies are protected.

Article provided by Law Offices of Lee Arter
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