No matter what’s happening around the world, truckers are always needed to keep everything moving. Truck drivers are essential to keeping the economy growing, even during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic. However, more trucks on the road means that there is a higher potential for trucking accidents to occur. Every year, more and more trucking accidents across the country are being dealt with by commercial trucking insurance companies. While some are unavoidable accidents, others can be avoided. Here are some of the most common reasons behind trucking accidents.

Reckless or Careless Driving

Careless and reckless driving may often be grouped together, but they are quite different. Either way, both are an indicator that the truck is not being operated responsibly. Careless driving describes a situation where the driver fails to use care when operating the vehicle and, on the other hand, reckless driving describes when the driver has a willing disregard for their safety or the safety of others. When it comes to differentiating the two, the driver’s intent is the main factor. Lawyers covering truck accidents Scranton PA can help if you have been involved in a truck accident with a careless or reckless driver.

Failure to Follow Traffic Signals and Signs

In all states, all drivers must be tested on their understanding of the various traffic signals and signs that they will encounter on the road, and most of them are standard across the country from traffic lights to speed limit signs. Each signal serves a specific purpose and when a driver fails to follow them, it can lead to a very dangerous situation. For example, everybody involved is put in danger if a driver goes over the speed limit, doesn’t stop when needed, or doesn’t give way to pedestrians at a crossing.

Erratic Driving

Erratic driving could also come under careless or reckless driving, and typically involves a wide range of driving errors including speeding, drunk driving, disregarding traffic signals, stopping for no reason, and more. Erratic driving can often lead to the driver losing control of their vehicle and can make it very difficult, if not impossible for the other drivers around them to stay safe on the road.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers often have to drive for long hours and, after a certain time, they can easily become distracted due to being behind the wheel for too long. While there are strict regulations and standards that must be followed regarding rest times, ensuring that truck drivers are not falling asleep at the wheel, if these are not adhered to, the driver can easily become distracted by their own tiredness which can lead to an accident. Distracted driving can take on many forms, and they can all be more dangerous than you realize. In some cases, even changing the radio channel or eating while at the wheel can cause a driver to become distracted enough to cause a collision.

While trucks and truckers are always needed to keep things moving and keep the economy going, more trucks on the road mean a higher risk of truck accidents due to these reasons.