Operating a commercial truck can be one of the most challenging jobs a person can ever experience. A truck driver is not only challenged every minute of the working day by other drivers who share the highways and byways, but he is also under the gun to deliver his cargo on time and without damage. Fed Ex truck drivers are especially prone to accidents due to their challenging schedules.
One of the most common causes of FedEx truck accidents include a variety of factors including driver fatigue, improper vehicle maintenance, distracted driving, speeding and reckless driving, plus bad weather conditions.
With this in mind, what are the top most common commercial truck driving accidents occurring today? How can they be avoided? So you don’t need a FedEx truck accident lawyer?
Rear-End Collisions
Said to be the most common type of collision on the roads and highways, the rear-ender is a commercial truck’s nemesis. It can happen when the commercial truck operator is not attentive and doesn’t notice the vehicle directly in front has slowed significantly or even stopped. The results in the truck hitting the rear-end of the vehicle in front.
Rear-enders caused by tractor trailers can be particularly dangerous since big trucks carry massive loads that add to their inertia. A rear-ender can easily lead to a tragic fatality for the innocent victim.
Rear-end collisions are also often caused by distracted driving. This is something that’s considered to be getting worse due to the proliferation of mobile devices, phones, screens, and other high-tech that begs for commercial driver’s attention. Even with the advent of hands-free calling tech along with voice recognition systems, distracted driving accidents have been on the steady increase for more than ten years.
One good idea is to store all electronic devices in an area inside the cab where they can’t be reached. This means a driver won’t be tempted to utilize them while driving. The only choice is to safely pull off the road prior to using them.
The best way to prevent a rear-end collision is to pay attention to the road. While this sounds easy, it’s human nature to become distracted while driving, even if only for a short time. Allow extra space between the truck’s front grill and the back of the vehicle that’s directly in front. This allows more time for the commercial operator to apply the brakes if the situation suddenly requires it.
Dangerous Rollovers
Rollovers can be dangerous and even fatal. They typically occur to overloaded semis and tractor trailers which possess a higher center of gravity than other smaller commercial trucks. Many rollovers occur when an operator takes a sharp corner too fast. However, they can also be attributed to mechanical issues or bad weather or both.
Rollovers can be prevented by staying off slippery roads, avoiding overly high wind conditions, and slowing down when taking sharp turns and corners.
Wide-Turn Crashes
Like rollovers, wide-turn crashes are yet another variety of dangerous accidents that are more likely to happen to tractor trailers since they require considerable space when taking a tight corner. As a truck pulls wide to make a corner, “such as moving left to prepare for a right-hand turn,” other drivers sharing the road can interpret this as a change of lanes. Therefore, they pull into the inside lane right beside the big commercial truck. What results is a collision that can potentially be fatal.
To prevent a wide-turn collision, the operator must move only as wide as absolutely necessary. That way you leave a big portion of the trailer in the turning lane and, therefore, other drivers who share the road don’t interpret this as an “open lane.” It’s important that operators always utilize turn signals so other drivers understand that the truck is about to make a wide turn.
Bad Blindspot Collisions
Bad blind spot crashes are said to be common, especially when big trucks make lane changes on a highway. Even though today’s trucks are outfitted with lots of mirrors and even cameras, blind spots still exist. Operators must always be aware of the vehicles driving around them and where they are located. This means focusing on the road and paying full attention to one’s surroundings.
Blindspot collisions can be prevented by watching the traffic around the truck to help with predicting when a driver will be within a blind spot. If an operator does not pay attention and isn’t sure of what is inside his blind spot, it’s best to slow down and allow the car to safely pass by.