Causes and Prevention of 18 Wheeler Accidents

Are you in Corpus Christi? Have you been in an accident with an 18 wheeler or other big rig?

Give Carabin Shaw a call. We can help. Call us at 361.444.1111, local if you’re in Corpus Christi.

In a study by Federal Agency NTHSA, they found that truck accident wrongfully killed at least, and probably more than, 3,600 people in 2010 and at least 80,000 people suffered injuries.

It is our Carabin Shaw’s contention that many, if not most, of these crashes likely were preventable.

This article gives you some insight on ways to prevent or lessen the chance of you or a loved one suffering such an accident.

Big rig, semi-truck or 18 wheeler wrecks can have a number of causes. Some causes may be due to the negligence of the truck driver. Other causes can be the other party or driver’s fault.

Truck drivers often have accidents because they:

• Drive while distracted, by using their cell phone, eating or texting,
• Make a mistake in traffic.
• Consume alcohol or take drugs before they drive.
• Inadequately secure or balance the load or cargo.
• Don’t get sufficient licensing or training.
• Drive while drowsy, especially at night or after a long hours work shift.
• Speed, while trying to meet strict deadlines and work schedules.
• Fail to repair or maintain the trailer or truck.

Simply driving next to or near an 18 wheeler can raise your chances of getting in an accident by:

• Driving in the big rig or large truck’s blind spots.
• Turning ahead of oncoming big truck at an intersection or crossroads.
• Making an overly rapid lane change ahead of a truck.
• Merging onto a roadway ahead of a heavy truck.
• Failing to signal when passing or making another unsafe passing move near a heavy truck.
• Failing to match or change speed correctly when a heavy truck merges onto the road or moves ahead of your vehicle.

Truck crashes are frequently caused by worn out or defective equipment. Brake failure, tire failure or other problems with the vehicle can cause accidents also.

It is our Carabin Shaw’s belief that most of these heavy truck accidents are preventable

Truck drivers should:

• Keep proper distance. Do not ever follow other vehicles too closely. Heavy Trucks take a greater time to come to a stop than a traditional passenger vehicle. If a truck ahead of you has to stop in a hurry, you could get into a rear-end collision with them.

• Do all proper and necessary maintenance on your truck. Make sure that your truck is inspected properly and in good working order before every trip. Also, make sure that all cargo is fastened securely fastened is well balanced in or on your trailer.

• Never drive when you are drowsy. Always follow the “rules of service” regulations and do not push yourself to hard just to meet a deadline. If you feel tired, pull off of the road and take a nap.

• Know your blind spots. Be aware of where all other vehicles are near and around you at all times. This is especially important when you are preparing to pass or change lanes.

Drivers of other nearby vehicles:

• Do not cut off a heavy truck, and use care when you merge in front of such a vehicle on a roadway.

• If you see a truck driver driving unsafely, call the phone number usually listed on the truck to report the unsafe behavior.

• Stay away from trucks that are about to turn. Heavy trucks have a wide turn radius and have to swing further than you think before they actually make a turn; if your vehicle is too close, you may be directly in the truck’s path.

• Try to avoid driving on the side of a heavy truck or directly behind one; these are usually the vehicle’s blind spots. In a situation where you have to drive in those locations, be sure to signal first, and be sure that you make an effort to move away as soon as reasonably possible.

Are you in Corpus Christi? Have you been in an accident with an 18 wheeler or other big rig?

Give Carabin Shaw a call. We can help. Call us at 361.444.1111, local if you’re in Corpus Christi.