A huge cause for concern when traveling is being involved in an automobile accident. Not only are accidents inconvenient, but the results are also often dangerous and sometimes fatal. Accidents happen within an instant, leaving most people with questions about their causes, placing blame on the other party with an increased need for prevention.
The obvious financial burden resulting from an accident ranges from medical to legal, and most people do not have the resources to cover those costs. Insurance companies will only cover a portion, or none at all. But what if you could do more than fight for financial protection? What if there were things you could put into practice and share to help more people avoid accidents?
Let’s Talk Numbers
According to FLHealthcarts.com, reducing motor vehicle crash deaths was one of the great public health achievements of the 20th century for the US. In 2021, the rate of accidents occurring in Broward County was 16.4% when compared to the entire Florida which sits at 17%. While this is a blanket without further discussion about the causes, type of vehicle, or any other factor, there is much to consider.
Truck accidents are more fatal. The Federal Motor Carrier Association reported that in 2020, (FMCSA) 4,998 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes, a 5-percent decrease from 2019. From 2019 to 2020, large truck and bus fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled by all motor vehicles increased from 0.162 to 0.177, 14 percent below the 21st-century peak of 0.205 in 2000.
Navigating the roads requires more than just a license and the ability to operate a vehicle. The US Department of Health and Human Services in their Healthy People campaign identified motor vehicle crashes as the second cause of death among Americans and twice the average of other high-income countries. They added that interventions aimed at increasing seat belt and car seat use, reducing drunk driving and speed-related crashes, and protecting pedestrians can reduce deaths from motor vehicle crashes.
The numbers are relatively high. And, while most reasons may be avoidable there is only so much that an individual can do to ensure they are safe on the roads. Whether you are carrying precious cargo, such as your family, or merchandise as most truck drivers do, there is always a need to exercise extreme caution.
Getting Your Act Together
As we mentioned above, there are always local and national educational initiatives to help reduce the number of crashes. There is a certain level of personal responsibility to each driver when driving. Some accidents are avoidable, so the key is to be vigilant in following the rules, but also being aware. Here are a few key things to bear in mind.
The Dangers of Distracted driving
The US Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Facts defines distracted driving as “when drivers divert their attention from the driving task to focus on some other activity. Often discussions regarding distracted driving center around cell phone use and texting, but distracted driving also includes other activities such as eating, talking to other passengers, or adjusting the radio or climate controls.”
The impact of accidents caused by distracted drivers extends beyond the operator of the motor vehicle. Passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and businesses are also affected by the crashes. The CDC listed three main types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive. They also reported a higher percentage of accidents due to distracted drivers among younger people including high school-aged children.
States have issued bans on preventing distracted driving related to texting or emailing. The Florida Put It Down: Focus on Driving campaign, is an initiative by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and law enforcement and other agencies geared towards educating the public about the dangers of distracted driving.
In addition, Section 316.305, Florida Statutes allows law enforcement to stop motor vehicles and issue citations to motorists that are texting and driving. A person may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, or symbols into a wireless communications device to text, email, and instant messages.
When a Truck Is Involved
Throughout the state, there will always be a truck on the highways. The size of the vehicle doesn’t always indicate that they are at fault. Truck drivers must be extremely cautious when navigating the roads and that is not to say they may not be all faulty. However, there are incidences where collisions have been precipitated by much smaller vehicles. So, what can you do to avoid or increase your awareness when driving around trucks
Avoid their Blind Spots
An important element of defensive driving is avoiding a vehicle’s blind spot. Trucks, because of their length and size, have a much larger blind spot. When compromised can cause more lethal collisions. Trucks have four major blind spots, one behind the trailer, one along each side of the trailer, and one below the cab of the truck. It is important to stay out of these zones at all times. Remember, if you cannot see the driver's reflection in their side mirror, they cannot see you.
Pass Safely
Always prepare to pass a truck when on a straight stretch of roadway. Ensure that you are not in their blind spot and safely pass on their left. Do not linger; the quicker you get by the truck, the better likelihood the truck driver will see you passing. After passing, do not immediately merge in front of the truck, there is still an additional blind spot to be aware of.
Understand Trucks Need Time to Stop
A truck’s size and weight account for how it navigates the roadway. Larger trucks tend to take much longer, so increased caution by the driver and other motorists is important. While it is key to ensure you avoid their blind spot and pass safely, truck drivers must also understand that a truck may need a longer time to complete a stop.
The Trucker
Truck drivers also must practice caution to avoid costly and fatal accidents. The FMCSA's mission, as the lead federal government agency responsible for regulating and providing safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. They added that even the most well-trained drivers are at risk for engaging in behaviors that could lead to serious injuries and even death. Therefore, it is paramount that drivers frequently undergo continued training to maintain their awareness. Their resources include videos and tips that cover various topics including, but not limited to, failure to buckle up, unfamiliar roadway conditions, inadequate surveillance, driver fatigue, following too closely, and inadequate evasive action.
We will detail some others below.
Improper Truck Maintenance
Large trucks have a multitude of moving parts that when improperly maintained could lead to accidents. Here are some parts that may become problematic over time, if not properly cared for.
Tires and wheels: worn or poorly inflated tires could rupture after many trips which could lead the driver to lose control of the truck. It is important to also ensure that your wheels are aligned, as this too could cause a loss of control.
Brakes: A failed braking system is not an ideal situation. Given that trucks do require additional time to come to a stop, having properly working breaks should be a top priority.
Lights: Drivers should always maintain their lights, for driving at night or in poor weather conditions. An inability to see the road or other vehicles could lead to serious accidents.
Windshield and wipers: Poor weather conditions will decrease a driver’s visibility. Maintaining them regardless of weather, should be part of the driver’s maintenance routine.
Improper loading: Loads that are not secured properly during transit can cause accidents. Drivers must be wary of the height, weight, and load distribution and ensure that proper measures are taken prior to loading and driving. Navigating hills and curves with improperly secured loads can prove problematic for drivers and lead to accidents.
Impaired Driving
FMCSA listed driver fatigue as one of the many areas of training they provide to commercial vehicles. Many drivers are on the road for long periods of time in order to meet their timely drop-off. Driving tired may be one of the most dangerous things to perform. A truck driver's responsibility wholly includes ensuring that they are aware of the task at hand. Alcohol-impaired driving, according to the CDC kills one in every forty-five persons daily in the United States.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 56% of seriously or fatally injured road users tested positive for alcohol or some type of impairing substance, with cannabis (25%) being the most prevalent. In addition, two or more drugs were found in 18% of serious injury cases and 32% of the fatalities.
Reckless Driving
Being a responsible driver is a legal obligation of every driver, regardless of the vehicle they are operating. Here are some types of reckless driving truck drivers should avoid.
Speeding: Although speed limits vary by state, no truck driver should exceed the speed limit. While there is no excuse, some drivers may engage in this behavior due to road rage or the need to meet a deadline. Tailgating: Driving too close to another vehicle can cause an accident to happen. The results are usually fatal, particularly with smaller vehicles.
Running a Red Light: Disobeying traffic signals is illegal. Drivers who engage in this kind of behavior are considered reckless and unsafe.
Accidents happen but there are most times avoidable. With proper care and attention, truck drivers and regular drivers alike can engage in safety behaviors and exercise caution to reduce the number of fatalities.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may have a claim against the driver of the other vehicles involved, and any other negligent party involved in the collision.
Call or Text the Daniel Sagiv Law Group at 561-569-1387.
