Serious collisions with large trucks and tractor trailers have always been a problem for motorists. According to the most recent reports published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 3,921 casualties and 104,000 injuries that resulted from accidents with large trucks in 2012 alone. Approximately 317,000 large trucks in the U.S. were involved in an accident that same year. As the statistics grimly illustrate, accidents involving large trucks (defined by the NHTSA as trucks exceeding 10,000 lbs) are a dangerous reality on the open road. So what are some of the causes of Kansas trucking accidents?
Unfortunately, Kansas Trucking Accidents are Common and Brave Law Firm is Here to Help
The number one cause of Kansas trucking accidents is truck driver error. Truck drivers keep incredibly long hours on the highway without taking breaks. Many times they’ve been driving without sufficient sleep, which is a deadly combination when operating a big rig or tractor trailer. Fatigue causes slow reaction time and carelessness. In a mentally exhausted state, drivers take dangerous, unnecessary risks in order to make their deliveries on time. Their depth perception is misconstrued and their ability to read traffic is greatly inhibited. Some drivers also suffer from substance abuse, which contributes even more to truck driver error. Compounding on these problems are inclement weather conditions that cause heavy-loaded trucks excessive problems on ice, snow and rain. Because of the extra weight being carried, a truck’s steering and brake capabilities are not as effective.
Improper loading of the tractor trailer also causes unbalanced weight distribution in the bed of the truck. Freight boxes fall over during shipping, which causes the truck to become unmanageable on the road. The final major cause of Kansas trucking accidents is the actual failure of the truck’s equipment. Large trucks are not regularly inspected for safety or receive proper maintenance. As a result, mechanical failures involving defective tires and brakes are a widespread problem since trucking safety standards are not enforced. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, call the Kansas Trucking Accident attorneys at Brave Law Firm to discuss your rights!
