7 Dangerous Truck Driving Behaviors That Can Lead to Accidents
Truck drivers are exposed to harsh work conditions and bear the weight of great responsibility. They must safely deliver the cargo to a set destination, sometimes under significant time pressure. Being on the road for long periods, with little chance to rest, can expose drivers to a higher degree of driving errors and consequently the risk of accidents.
While on the road, a set of truck driving behaviors can significantly increase the chances of a traffic accident occurring. These risky practices include drowsy driving, tailgating, and distracted driving.
1. Driving Errors
Due to its size and weight, a truck is more challenging to maneuver than a car; it requires great skill and dexterity. As part of their job requirements, truck drivers must hold a commercial drivers’ license, which binds them to the responsibility of adhering to stricter standards. Driving errors can be grouped into four major categories:
● Performance errors: include actions that do not adhere to commercial driving standards. Performance errors include reckless turns or not maintaining a proper distance between the truck and other vehicles.
● Non-performance errors: include driver fatigue, driving under the influence, or a debilitating state brought on by health conditions like heart attacks or seizures.
● Perception errors: are related to perception and recognition of stimuli. These incidents can include an inadequate assessment of distance or hindered attention and perception due to distracted driving.
● Decision-making errors: refer to decisions that do not conform to commercial driving standards. These can include inadequate judgments relating to road conditions, speed, or distance.
2. Drowsy Driving
Since truckers are often engaged in long missions, they do not always get proper rest. Therefore, despite their best efforts, drivers are likely to engage in drowsy driving. In fact, driving while fatigued was identified as one of the leading causes of traffic accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated number of 72,000 crashes and 800 deaths occur due to drowsy driving in a single year. However, these numbers are likely to be underestimated, and the actual fatal crashes may be closer to 6,000.
3. Unsafe Lane-Changes
Changing lanes is a particularly challenging feat for truck drivers because of vehicle characteristics. Therefore the move requires additional care and attention. Due to their size and design, trucks have several blind spots. This means that neighboring vehicles might not always be visible. While mirrors offer some assistance, they are not enough to compensate for all the blind spots.
The most common issue that arises during lane change is difficulty slowing down or stopping. What is more, in low visibility conditions (during the night or in bad weather), the maneuver is even riskier, as the road may be slippery, and the driver’s vision might be hindered.
4. Tailgating
When another driver gets too close to the vehicle in front, it is called tailgating. The space between two cars should be large enough to allow safe stopping. Since a truck requires more space to come to a complete stop, it is advised to allow for more distance between neighboring vehicles.
To help put things in perspective, a tractor-trailer that has been fully loaded can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Under ideal weather and road conditions, the truck will travel at about 65 miles per hour. In this scenario, the vehicle will need 535 feet to come to a complete stop.
5. Distracted Driving
Using devices while driving is a relatively common distraction that can lead to serious consequences. Even a split-second’s lack of attention, to check out a phone or other electronic device means that your eyes are not on the road, and you might miss the oncoming danger. By the time you notice the peril, it might be too late since you have less time to react.
It is highly recommended to pull over while handling devices. Understandably, this might be more inconvenient for a trucker since everything is on the clock, but your safety (and that of other drivers) should always come first.
While cell phone use is not completely banned in any state, there are a series of strict restrictions, which significantly vary between states. As a truck driver, you are likely to pass through different states, so make sure to be familiar with the specific laws that apply to the locations through which you travel.
6. Not Checking Blind Spots
Blind spots are a well-known problem in the trucking world, and over the years, different solutions were tested. More recently, cameras were installed to help resolve the issue. Although cameras can be strategically set to cover all blind spots, these might lead to other problems, like distracted driving, as the driver needs to view screens for additional information.
If you do become involved in a traffic accident, do not hesitate to contact a qualified lawyer. Morelli law firm has a team of expert attorneys who can help deal with all legal proceedings on your behalf and protect your livelihood.
7. Driving in Bad Weather Conditions
While drivers are advised to steer clear of bad weather and road conditions, this is not always an option for truck drivers. If you cannot stay off the road during a stormy day, the next best thing is to be on high alert. This means driving at reduced speeds, leaving more time to perceive and react to any oncoming danger.
If drivers deem the weather highly dangerous, they should pull over or off the road and wait for the storm to settle. Slippery roads pose a high danger to truckers, as the large and heavy vehicle becomes harder to maneuver and control.
Final Thoughts
These are only some of the driving behaviors that can endanger the life of drivers. It is essential to steer clear of these and practice safe driving practices instead. Some of the dangers arising from the vehicle design and weather or road conditions are beyond human control. However, drivers need to adapt to these conditions and try to overcome these through additional safety measures.
Also, truck drivers must look after their health and well-being while on the road. This is one of the key elements to ensuring that they are rested and alert during the long hours of driving.
