Driver Error Often Responsible for Truck Crashes

September 13, 2012 (Press-News.org) Driver Error Often Responsible for Truck Crashes

Crashes between commercial vehicles and other motor vehicles account for some of the most severe crashes on the road. In fact, one out of every 10 fatal crashes involves large trucks. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a federal agency that focuses on preventing commercial vehicle accidents, is studying data from two Kansas researchers that identifies common causes of these dangerous accidents. These efforts may help reduce the number of large truck crashes throughout the U.S.

Driver Error the Main Cause

As part of the study, researchers studied 18,919 large truck crashes in Kansas from 2004-2008, of which 81 percent resulted in one or more deaths. The researchers concluded that driver error contributed to 73 percent of these crashes. The study identified the following common driver errors:
-Speeding
-Not giving enough attention or time to the task at hand
-Improper lane changing
-Not yielding when other vehicles have the right of way
-Following too closely

Inattentiveness was the top factor in accidents where driver error contributed to the crash. The FMCSA says that attention to the task at hand is extremely important because missing small cues can lead to a crash. Interestingly, 78 percent of crashes occurred when no adverse weather conditions existed and during daylight hours, between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m.

Other Contributing Factors

Crashes were also caused by road, environmental and vehicle conditions. For example, rain and animals contributed to 13 percent of crashes. Vehicle-related causes, including defective brakes and falling cargo, accounted for 6.1 percent of accidents. Road conditions accounted for 7.8 percent of accidents.

Researchers hope that the study will bring about new legislation and rules for all drivers to increase safety on the road. Also, they plan to use the research to enhance safety guidelines and tools to educate drivers. But in the meantime, large truck crashes will continue to be severe and cause serious injuries and damage. Those involved in large truck crashes may want to consider contacting a personal injury attorney who can help pursue legal remedies against responsible parties.

Article provided by Boon, Shaver, Echols, Coleman & Goolsby P.L.L.C.
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