According to Indianapolis truck accident lawyers, there are some common causes of truck accidents. These can include over-speeding, distracted driving, and poor road lighting. However, it is essential to remember that a single accident can have far-reaching impacts. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to avoid these types of accidents.

Over-speeding

Speeding is a common cause of traffic accidents, resulting in several injuries, including serious bodily harm and fatalities. It can also lead to points on your license and higher insurance costs.

A study by the Governors Highway Safety Association found that speeding contributes to more than a quarter of all motor vehicle fatalities. Despite years of law enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns, speeding remains a severe problem on American roads.

Many drivers don’t consider the potential consequences of over-speeding when driving. For example, a truck traveling at 80 miles per hour can cause more damage than a similar vehicle traveling at 65 miles per hour. Similarly, a slight curve at high speeds can throw a trailer off balance and result in a collision.

Distracted driving

Distracted drivers cause a large number of truck accidents. This is a genuine issue that can be attributed to many factors.

Fortunately, distracted driving can be avoided. The key is to be aware of the potential hazards and to pay close attention to the road.

One of the most apparent distractions is cell phone use. For example, Indianapolis truck accident lawyers say up to 24 percent of all traffic crashes in the United States are attributed to cell phone usage.

Although it is not a new problem, public awareness campaigns have been able to change some habits. Texting, for example, is more dangerous than driving drunk.

Even though a few states have laws governing cell phone use while driving, not all drivers obey the rule. However, it is only sometimes possible to find out if the driver was using a cell phone at the time of the accident.

Poorly lit roads

Poorly lit roads can cause severe and fatal accidents. Especially at night, truck drivers are often unable to see the vehicles in front of them. This can lead to multiple vehicle pileups and a rollover. The dark environment can also increase the risk of driver fatigue.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that 83,000 truck accidents occur annually. Although there are other factors attributed to truck accidents, poor lighting is a major contributing factor.

Studies have shown a disproportionate number of injuries and fatalities on the road after dark. A lack of retroreflective signs and low luminance contribute to this fact. However, it is still being determined what the exact role of soft lighting in these crashes is.

Another reason there are more truck accidents at night is that the drivers are drowsy. Some studies have found that up to 40% of truck crashes involve driver fatigue.

Jackknife

Jackknifing is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. It can be caused by driver error, mechanical failure, or a lack of maintenance. These crashes can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

When a truck loses control, it can jackknife, causing the trailer to swing to one side. This can lead to severe damage to other vehicles. The car can also roll over.

Jackknifes are typically the result of careless or reckless truckers. For example, they may be driving too fast for the conditions, or they may be tailgating. You should contact a lawyer if you are involved in a jackknife accident. A lawyer can help you get total compensation.

Usually, a jackknife truck accident occurs on a freeway with high traffic volumes and slick roads. However, there are also many times when a jackknife occurs in a location where other drivers cannot see the vehicle.

Sideswipe

Sideswipe accidents are some of the most dangerous types of car crashes. Sideswipes account for 2.7 percent of all fatal traffic crashes and cause 27,000 injuries a year.

Drivers can reduce their risk of a sideswipe accident by using basic safety measures like maintaining a clear head and keeping their eyes on the road. They can also avoid a side-impact collision by slowing down when changing lanes.

Drivers can increase their chances of avoiding a sideswipe by checking their mirrors and blind spots. This can be particularly helpful when they are driving a large commercial truck. Newer trucks are becoming equipped with blind spot warning systems to help drivers keep their eyes on the road.

Another way to prevent sideswipes is to signal lane changes. This is especially important if the vehicle is approaching a crowded intersection.