Truck accidents can be devastating for the victims involved and truck accident statistics from recent years show that they remain a problem in Connecticut.
According to a recent report, 29 deadly crashes in the state involved large trucks in a recent year.
Additionally, the report revealed that there are likely to be more trucks on Connecticut’s roads in the future. Trucking freight movement is expected to grow by several million more tons by 2040.
With the higher number of trucks on the road, truck accidents are likely to increase. While every truck crash involves different circumstances, here are some factors common to many truck accidents.
Drowsy and distracted driving
Federal regulations require truckers to only spend a certain number of hours on the road before taking a meal or rest break. However, truckers are still under pressure to meet deadlines and when they are slowed down due to bad weather or traffic backups, they may skip these breaks.
This means there could be any number of fatigued truck drivers on the road at any given time, increasing the risk of an accident.
Distracted driving is a common problem for all drivers, including truckers. Texting, being on their phones, eating or doing anything else that takes their attention away from the primary task of driving makes it difficult for truckers to pay attention to the road.
Poor cargo loading and defective parts
Truck drivers are responsible for inspecting their vehicle before getting on the road to make sure their cargo is properly loaded and secured. They should also make regular cargo inspections along their routes. Not doing so can lead to dangerous driving conditions.
Sometimes the cause is not the fault of the truck driver or trucking company. Trucks that have defective parts from the manufacturer can result in tire blowouts or brake failure.
You can do your best to avoid trucks on the road but still find yourself the victim of a truck accident caused by negligence. Finding out what caused the accident can help you build a case for compensation.