Are you a truck driver or do you manage a company that employs truck drivers?
If so, you probably already know that any accidents involving trucks are likely to result in catastrophic injuries due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles. That’s why it’s so important for everyone involved in trucking to take the necessary safety precautions to prevent accidents whenever possible.
Here is more information on the safety measures for trucking. Read here: How can trucking accidents lead to catastrophic injuries in Princeton?
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
There are various reasons for trucking accidents but some are more common than others. Common causes of accidents involving trucks are speeding or reckless driving, poor or overdue maintenance on the truck, improper loading of cargo, fatigued drivers, drugs and alcohol, and distracted driving. Many of these can be addressed and mitigated through thorough training as well as proper vehicle maintenance.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries from Truck Accidents
As mentioned previously, many injuries are more severe from trucking accidents as compared to those involving cars or other smaller vehicles due to the truck’s size and weight. Some of the injuries that are seen in these accidents include severe burns, internal organ damage, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fracture and crush injuries, and paralysis. These injuries are often seen in both the driver of the truck and those in a second vehicle if it is involved in the crash. For more information, read here: how can trucking accidents lead to catastrophic injuries in Princeton?
Safety Measures to Prevent Injuries
There are many safety measures truck drivers and the company that manages the trucks and drivers –as well as other drivers who encounter trucks–to take to reduce the likelihood of an accident and subsequent injuries. Here are some of the most important:
- Conduct pre-trip inspections on the truck including checking brakes, tires, lights, and any cargo restraints.
- Ensure drivers are maintaining safe speeds and not operating their vehicles in adverse weather conditions.
- Make sure drivers are following regulations concerning rest breaks, hours of services, and other safety guidelines.
- For drivers, know your own body and stop to rest when feeling tired, groggy, distracted, or sick.
- For drivers, do not look at cellular phones, eat, adjust the radio, or engage in any other distracting behavior when operating the vehicle.
- For drivers, never operate the vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- For other drivers, maintain a safe distance behind trucks, anticipate that they often make wide turns, and be aware of their blind spots. Also use clear communication such as signalling far in advance to help truck drivers anticipate your actions.
Read Here: How Can Trucking Accidents Lead to Catastrophic Injuries in Princeton?
Trucking accidents can have lifelong consequences for the driver of the truck, others involved in the accident, and the owners or managers of the trucking company. Make sure you take all possible safety precautions to prevent these incidents and keep everyone safe. For more information, read here: How can trucking accidents lead to catastrophic injuries in Princeton?
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
