Driver Error is the Leading Cause of Commercial Truck Accidents

Operating a large commercial truck takes skill, experience, and professional care. Unfortunately, truck accidents remain a very serious problem. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a large causation study on why commercial truck accidents happened. It cited driver error as a material cause in 87 percent of all crashes. Here, our West Palm Beach trucking accident attorney provides an overview of driver error cases in Florida.

Driver Error: Defined

Within the context of the FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), the term “driver error” refers to unsafe or improper actions or decisions made by drivers that directly contribute to a crash. It includes both unintentional mistakes (misjudging distance) and reckless behavior (speeding). The study found that driver error was a critical reason in nearly nine in ten crashes.

An Overview of the Most Common Truck Driver Errors

Trucker errors come in a wide range of different forms. Indeed, unsafe practices (intentional or unintentional) can happen for a wide variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common examples of driver errors that can contribute to commercial truck accidents in Florida:

Speeding: Truckers often face pressure to meet tight delivery schedules. Driving too fast for road, weather, or traffic conditions increases stopping distance and decreases reaction time.
Fatigued Driving: Despite hours-of-service (HOS) rules, driver fatigue is a persistent problem. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is dangerous driving, especially for truckers. Even a few seconds of inattention can result in a catastrophic disaster.
Unfamiliarity with the Road: When a truck driver operates in an area they do not know well, they are more likely to make wrong turns, misjudge safe speeds, or miss signs.
Following Too Closely: Due to their size and weight, trucks require more distance to stop. Tailgating is especially dangerous in heavy traffic or at highway speeds.
Overcompensation (Panic Steering): In emergencies, an inexperienced or panicked truck driver may turn the wheel too sharply or brake too suddenly. It can cause a jackknife.
Impairment (Alcohol or Drugs): Although less common than fatigue or distraction, intoxicated by truckers is a very serious safety hazard on our roads.

Trucking Companies Must Ensure Drivers are Well-Qualified (Training and Experience)

Truckers should be well-qualified for the job. Trucking companies that operate in Florida have a duty to ensure that their drivers are trained, skilled, and reasonably experienced. A trucking company that puts an unsafe driver behind the wheel could be legally liable for a crash.

Speak to Our West Palm Beach Semi-Truck Crash Attorney Today

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach semi-truck accident lawyer has the knowledge, skills, and experience that you can trust even in the most challenging of cases. If you or your loved one was hurt in a tractor trailer crash caused by a driver error, we are here to help. Contact us now for a free case evaluation. Our firm handles these cases throughout all of Southeast Florida.

Source:

fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/research-and-analysis/large-truck-crash-causation-study-analysis-brief