Truck Accidents Pose Serious Risks for Pennsylvania Motorists

November 03, 2012

While motor vehicle accidents involving all types of vehicles can prove deadly, those involving large trucks are often the most dangerous. The severity of these accidents is generally due to the size difference between the large commercial motor vehicle and, often, the much smaller passenger car with which it collides. As a result of the seriousness of these accidents, researchers in India have begun examining truck accident crash data to identify the typical causes of these accidents. By understanding the common causes, trucking companies will be able to educate their workforce and legislators will be able to focus their efforts on the primary hazards.

Currently, the researchers are examining data from almost 19,000 truck accidents that occurred in Kansas from 2004 to 2008. The research is particularly important when considering that 81 percent of the accidents involving a truck and another vehicle resulted in fatalities.

Although trucks only account for a small percentage of the total number of vehicles on the road in the United States, they account for a disproportionate number of accidents and deaths. Trucks only make up approximately 3 percent of the vehicles in the country; however, one out of every 10 traffic deaths occurred due to a truck accident.

Common causes of truck accidents in the U.S.

The researchers identified a number of factors that typically led to truck accidents on American roadways. While collisions were, at times, caused by uncontrollable circumstances, -- such as the weather or animals on the road -- 73 percent were attributable, in part, to driver error or negligence.

The primary factor observed were truck drivers who did not allow enough time or failed to pay sufficient attention to the task at hand. In a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it was found that 5 percent of truck drivers who caused a fatal accident were distracted at the time of the collision. Of those truck drivers, 9 percent were distracted by a cellphone at the time of the accident.

Other common factors noted by the researchers included:
-Speeding
-Improperly changing lanes
-Failing to leave sufficient space to stop behind a vehicle
-Ignoring right of way laws

Pennsylvania distracted driver accidents

As noted in the truck accident research, distracted driving has become a serious problem, leading to numerous motor vehicle accidents each year. Due to this epidemic, laws have been enacted in each state to curb these dangerous behaviors.

Pennsylvania distracted driving laws are not particularly strong, however. In Pennsylvania, all drivers are prohibited from text messaging while driving. While this is an important regulation -- as text messaging distracts a driver visually, physically and cognitively -- there are no restrictions on talking on a handheld cellphone while driving in Pennsylvania.

When someone causes a truck accident, due to a distraction or another driver-related failure, the injured party may be able to recover damages. In such cases, consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney will ensure the rights of the injured party are protected.

Article provided by Aaroe Law Offices
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