What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

The United States Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regularly publishes a report known as “The Large Truck Crash Causation Study“. This report is designed to examine a representative sample of collisions from around the country, and study the contributing factors to and common causes of truck accidents. In the study, “causation” is defined as factors, events, or contributors most likely to increase the risk of a serious truck crash.

At the top of the list of the most common causes of truck accidents is brake problems, but most collisions involve a combination of factors. If you are the victim of a serious truck accident, know that you can reach out to Thompson Law any time for help, answers, and guidance. The call and consultation are free, and you are only charged a fee if we win your case.

The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Big rig trucks can be notoriously dangerous on the road. Their unique handling, size, and weight make them exceedingly dangerous when they are not being operated with absolute attention from the driver.

Despite what we know about the damage these over-sized vehicles can cause when things go wrong, modern expectations of long-haul drivers can be extremely demanding. This forces the owner-operators and employees who drive these vehicles to cut corners in order to meet tight timetables and cover as much mileage as possible.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Texas tend to mirror those across other states, and include:

• Speeding: Speeding is the highest contributing factor to accident fatalities, and this illegal act is even more dangerous in the case of a large truck and heavy semi-trailer. These trucks are difficult to stop and have braking systems that are more susceptible to failure at high speeds than standard cars.
• Driver Fatigue: Long hours, disrupted sleep cycles or limited time to sleep, and physically demanding processes to load and unload cargo results in mentally and physically drained drivers
• Cargo Issues: Unbalanced, overweight, or poorly loaded cargo can lead to leaks, spills, or handling difficulties
• Road Time Limits: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates Hours of Service that truck drivers may be on the road. These mandated limits may be higher than you think, including a stipulation that property-carrying drivers are only required to take a break after their 14th consecutive hour of driving
• Alcohol and Drug Use: This type of impairment in a driver operating a small car is scary enough, let alone an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer. But sadly, drivers do test positive for these substances. Even beyond alcohol and illegal drugs, some prescription medication can result in side effects that impair driving. Irresponsible consumption of any drug can have tragic results on the road.
• Distracted Driving: Cell phones, maps, GPS devices are incredibly useful tools to truckers navigating their routes, but they can also lead to dangerous distractions. 3 seconds with eyes off the road can result in a vehicle wandering over a full lane, and in the case of a large tractor-trailer, that error can impact many vehicles on the road at once.
• Mechanical: Before anti-lock brakes were required, starting in 1997, they were the main cause of tractor-trailer accidents, particularly jackknifing.
• Treacherous Roads: Inclement weather like rain or snow, icy roads, and low visibility are all complicating factors for every vehicle. This is especially true with 18 wheelers and other large commercial trucks which need much longer.

Texas Truck Accidents Statistics and Contributing Factors