When a truck accident happens, it’s easy to blame the driver because they’re the ones who were operating the vehicle. However, in some circumstances, other factors at play may not be apparent at the time of the accident.
While most motor vehicle accidents may be caused by driver behavior, drivers aren’t always solely to blame regarding truck accidents. Sometimes, these incidents result from the disempowering policies that some trucking companies enforce. It can help to be enlightened on some of these internal policies that increase the risk of truck accidents.
Unrealistic schedules
Many people are not aware that driver fatigue is one of the most significant contributors to truck accidents. Unfortunately, some trucking companies continue to enforce unrealistic schedules that pressure drivers to meet tight deadlines. Such policies push some truck drivers to ignore hours-of-service (HOS) regulations that are in place to help with fatigue management.
When a truck driver continues to operate their vehicle even when they’re exhausted, they can easily cause an accident because:
- Their reaction times slow
- Their judgment is impaired
- They may fall asleep at the wheel
While these trucking companies may not explicitly tell the drivers to violate HOS regulations, the unrealistic delivery schedules prioritize quick deliveries over safety. The pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines can push some drivers to skip rest breaks or falsify logbooks to work longer hours than legally permitted.
Inadequate vehicle maintenance
Regular maintenance is another area where some trucking companies may fall short, especially if they prioritize profit over safety. Allowing truck drivers to operate vehicles that aren’t regularly maintained significantly contributes to truck accidents. Truck drivers may encounter mechanical failures on the road and inadvertently cause accidents. No matter how cautious a truck driver is, there is little they can do if they encounter:
- Brake failures
- Tire blowouts
- Steering malfunctions
Cutting corners to save on costs puts truck drivers in a precarious position because there is only so much that they can do to avoid an accident.
Victims who are involved in truck accidents can benefit from appropriate legal guidance to determine who, between the driver and the trucking company, is liable for their injuries. Suppose the trucking company’s policies are what resulted in the accident; a trusted legal team can help secure sufficient compensation for damages.