Increase in Truck Traffic Leads to More Accidents

November 21, 2012

The Eagle Ford Shale energy boom has been a large economic impact for southeast Texas, but there have been unanticipated consequences. Notably, the increase in oil and gas production has caused an increase in commercial truck traffic in the area, which has brought with it an increase in the number of large truck accidents.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, truck accidents in the area have increased significantly over the past five years. While there were only four truck accidents in the area in 2008, there were 46 in 2011. What is worse, the increase in truck traffic is causing roads to deteriorate more quickly than usual, which in turn exacerbates already dangerous highway conditions.

Commercial Trucks a Major Threat

According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,675 people were killed in accidents involving large commercial trucks in 2010, the last year for which statistics are available.

It is no surprise that more accidents have occurred as truck traffic has increased. Large commercial trucks are larger, heavier, and less maneuverable than passenger vehicles. As a result of their size and weight, commercial trucks have reduced visibility, require more room to turn, and need substantially more room to come to a complete stop than smaller, lighter passenger vehicles.

Simple Tips to Avoid the Mistakes of Large Trucks

Large trucks pose a hazard to smaller vehicles. And while large trucks must follow the rules to keep our highways safe, there are a few simple actions commuters can take to help avoid the consequences:
- Stay alert for erratic movements of big trucks - you never know where a fatigued driver might swerve into your lane.
- Be careful at intersections, even intersections where you have the right of way - other vehicles may be driven by a distracted driver texting on a cell phone who will not heed a stop sign or a red light.
- Watch out for unsteady loads that may fall off a truck - it's the law that the truck driver must secure the load to keep it safe, but it's other drivers like you who end up paying the price of a load that falls.

Of course, no matter how careful a driver is, wrecks do happen.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury in a commercial truck accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can assess your case and help you get the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For more information, contact an attorney today.

Article provided by The Edwards Law Firm
Visit us at www.edwardsfirm.com