Braking Bad: Truck Drivers, Defective Brakes and Crashes

Both defective brakes and truck driver error are common causes of truck accidents.

2012-08-30

August 30, 2012 (Press-News.org) The cause of some motor vehicle crashes is readily apparent, like drunk driving or traffic violations. For certain accidents, however, further investigation is needed to uncover what led to a collision and any resulting injuries or deaths. When it comes to truck accidents, two common factors are defective brakes and the actions or inaction of truck drivers. While truck or brake manufacturers may be held accountable for defective brakes under product liability laws, negligent commercial drivers and their carriers may also be found responsible for accidents.

Defective Brakes

One report analyzing truck accidents and prevention stated that 56 percent of truck crashes involve brake defects. Air brake systems on large semi-trailer trucks, which must comply with federal regulation standards for commercial vehicles, are complex and must be well-maintained. When air brakes are designed poorly, installed incorrectly or manually adjusted too often, this can lead to defects in the braking system and devastating truck crashes.

Driver Error

In a recent Kansas State University study to uncover the causes of fatal truck accidents, researchers reviewed crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) for accidents in Kansas between 2004 and 2008. Out of 18,919 large truck crashes in the state during this five-year period, 73 percent, or 13,260, were attributed to poor driving practices. According to the study, following vehicles too closely, not yielding the right of way, improper lane changes and speeding were the top contributors to truck crashes.

Crash Liability

If a truck crash investigation finds defective brakes to be the cause of an accident, liability may fall on the truck or brake manufacturer or on any mechanic or servicing company who may have manually over-adjusted the truck brakes. When driver error is the contributing cause of a truck crash, however, both the driver and his or her commercial carrier could be found negligent and liable for any resulting damage, injuries or deaths.

Braking Bad

The size and weight of commercial trucks makes truck crashes some of the most deadly auto accidents. Knowing how and why accidents with commercial trucks occur is the first step in identifying ways to help prevent them in the future. While defective brakes may be a contributing factor, the scarier prospect is how often negligent driver behavior causes serious truck accidents. Driver negligence may be due to distracted driving or driver fatigue. Drivers and carriers need to take appropriate steps to prevent such occurrences and work towards "braking" bad driving habits.

If you were recently in a collision with a commercial vehicle or truck, contact a local truck accident attorney to help you investigate the causes of the crash and identify the responsible parties. A truck crash lawyer with experience in both personal injury and product liability cases can help you hold all parties accountable for their actions.

Article provided by Wright & Gallagher
Visit us at www.azinjurycentral.com/

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Bus Crashes Becoming a Routine Occurrence in Toronto's Daily Commute

2012-08-30

Public transportation can save you time, money and aggravation -- that is, if it gets you to your destination in one piece. In Toronto, the rash of bus and railcar accidents over the past year seriously calls into question the certainty of that prospect. On August 2, the latest major bus incident culminated with charges of careless driving and failure to stop at a red light for the 55-year-old driver. According to Toronto police, the bus struck a Nissan Altima in the intersection of Peter and Richmond streets before hitting a southbound taxi and careening into a beloved ...

NHTSA Urged to Maintain Its Support for Annual Vehicle Inspections

2012-08-30

When common sense safety measures and wise vehicle registration policies intersect, real lives are saved and many serious injuries from car accidents averted. California has long been among states that require vehicle safety inspections under some circumstances. According to AAA, all non-resident vehicles require a safety inspection when first registered in California, and CHP officers can require a roadside inspection if they suspect a vehicle is unsafe. Sound reporting practices and inspection requirements can help regulators recognize common auto defects and product ...

Deferred Action: New Program to Stop Deportations of Young Immigrants

2012-08-30

The Department of Homeland Security has released details and put into action a new policy that stops deportation of some young immigrants. Immigration advocates are praising the deferred action program as a real-world implementation of some provisions contained in the DREAM Act. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently published forms and instructions for the deferred action program, and began accepting applications on August 15. Immigrants under 30 who have immediate questions about deferred action as well as existing removal cases can learn about ...

California Woman Wrongfully Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits

2012-08-30

Individuals dealing with so-called "invisible illnesses" often have a difficult time obtaining appropriate disability benefits. Recently, an employee was receiving long-term disability benefits due to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, an illness with no obvious symptoms to outsiders. Her employer decided to terminate her benefits, despite being completely disabled by her symptoms, and she disputed that decision. A U.S. District court judge agreed with the woman since evidence proved she was, indeed, still eligible for benefits. Workers with "Invisible Illnesses" ...

Sheraton Perimeter Hotel Invites Guests to Celebrate Labor Day in Atlanta with Special Weekend Rates

2012-08-30

Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter Hotel North, located near Perimeter Mall, is offering a special promotion that lets guests save 40% on weekend stays. With the Better Tomorrows deal, every night a guest pays the regular rate, they will receive the next night at a 40% discount. So weather you stay 2 nights, 4 nights, or more, your tomorrow will be that much better. Guests must arrive Thursday through Sunday, now through December 31, 2012, and mention promo code ZB4 when booking. Some restrictions may apply; rates are pre-paid and 40% is taken off best available, non-restricted ...

Atlanta Video Production Company Optimum Productions Encourages Businesses to Use Video Testimonials

2012-08-30

Atlanta video production company Optimum Productions wishes to encourage businesses to use video testimonials instead of written testimonials. In this market, customers are wary to spend their hard earned money on companies they have not done business with previously. They see a new company as a gamble, and one that is less than likely to pay off. To counteract that wariness, companies have to make every effort to create a sense of trustworthiness within their brand. For a long time, written testimonials were standard practice for creating this trustworthy image, ...

British Airways Launches Worldwide Sale

2012-08-30

British Airways has launched a 'Go after the Games Sale' offering savings of up to 27 per cent off flights and holidays. The sale follows the airlines recent 'Home Advantage' campaign encouraging Brits to stay in the UK during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to support Team GB and ParalympicsGB. The sale, which is now on, includes over 90 worldwide destinations and is based on travel dates from September 10, 2012 to July 12, 2013. Great value deals include holidays in Orlando and holidays in New York with flights and accommodation. In the Caribbean, ...

National Trust-Commissioned Writer Delves Into Meaning of the White Cliffs of Dover

2012-08-30

The National Trust has commissioned writer and philosopher Julian Baggini to spend a week at the White Cliffs of Dover, much of which is cared for by the Trust, exploring through verse what this much loved stretch of the Kent coast says about the UK. Based at the world famous and iconic South Foreland Lighthouse, he will be delving into why the White Cliffs have become so wrapped up with our national identity and the role they play in creating our sense of belonging. Julian Baggini, who co-founded The Philosophers' Magazine, said: "For millions of Britons living ...

There are Many Benefits to Laminate Flooring, Declares Atlanta-Based Glover's Flooring America

2012-08-30

Homeowners can find building houses or replacing floors can be confusing and time-consuming, not to mention pricey! Atlanta laminate flooring provider Glover's Flooring America suggests to homeowners that they can have the look of Atlanta hardwood flooring without the price or maintenance by using laminate flooring. Homeowners may want Atlanta hardwoods in the house, but can't afford the hardwood flooring prices. Glover's Flooring America urges homeowners to consider laminate flooring, an affordable alternative to hardwood flooring. "For budget conscious homeowners, ...

Confused.com Reveals That Couples Resent Spending Money on Each Other

2012-08-30

Confused.com, the leading price comparison website, has revealed that love could be one of the biggest losers of the recession as bailing out one's partner or spouse is the most resented expenditure among the nation's adults. From picking up the tab for a partner at a restaurant to covering their cost of a taxi, it seems couples up and down the country hate putting their hand into their pocket to help out their other half. The UK economy is currently stuck in recession after contracting for nine months in a row. Confirming that love in Britain could be well and truly ...

‘You don’t just throw them in a box.’ Archaeologists, Indigenous scholars call on museums to better care for animal remains

Can AI tell us if those Zoom calls are flowing smoothly? New study gives a thumbs up

[Press-News.org] Braking Bad: Truck Drivers, Defective Brakes and Crashes
Both defective brakes and truck driver error are common causes of truck accidents.

Braking Bad: Truck Drivers, Defective Brakes and Crashes

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES: