Truck safety is a challenge not only in Pennsylvania but across many other states. Even though trucks contribute immensely to the economy by facilitating the supply of commodities, driving alongside them has become dangerous.
According to consumer notice, big trucks make up to only 4% of over 268 million vehicles in the US. However, with that minute statistics, trucks are a significant contributor to injuries and deaths resulting from road accidents. In 2017, more than 4,700 people died in collisions involving trucks and small cars.
Other drivers, especially those driving cars, have, from time to time, been the victims in case of a collision. It happens this way because their cars sit far much lower than trucks. Here are some of the causes of crashes.
- Fatigue is the major contributor, primarily because truck drivers work for long hours with minimal time to rest.
- Distracted driving is another common cause. In fact, in 2009, it contributed to 71% of commercial vehicle accidents.
- Driving under the influence contributes to up to 5% of road accidents involving trucks every year.
- Work zone dangers are mostly ignored but are also often a significant contributor to truck accidents. Due to the number of activities going on simultaneously, work zones are possible accident scenes.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, most truck accidents occur on major roads leading to cities. Research has indicated that, in 2018, 52% of truck accidents occurred on major roads, 33% on freeways and interstates, and 14% on minor roads. It calls for more vigilance on roads, especially when there is poor visibility.