Truck Safety

Practicing truck safety can be a deciding factor for whether or not a truck wreck occurs. In many cases, a truck wreck is the direct result of the truck driver’s actions, both intentional and unintentional. Mechanical and environmental issues can also play a role in truck accidents. In some cases, truck accidents may prove unavoidable. However, maintaining consistent truck safety practices can significantly reduce the chances of a truck accident.

Truck Safety on the Road

It is crucial for truckers and other drivers to practice and maintain safe driving habits while on the road. First and foremost, all traffic regulations should be obeyed at all times. All drivers should avoid speeding, illegal lane switching, tailgating, and other dangerous activities. While on the road, drivers should always be alert and aware of the speed, location, and actions of other vehicles.

Trucker Sleep Deficit

Sleep deficit and fatigue are a significant cause of tractor trailer accidents. Laws and regulations exist to ensure that truckers are not on duty long enough to be affected by lack of sleep. However, trucker fatigue remains a pressing issue. Unfortunately, the nature of the truck driving profession involves irregular hours and extended shift duration. When possible, truck drivers should place a heavy emphasis on maintaining a regular and adequate sleep schedule to prevent sleep deficit and fatigue.

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving can have a devastating effect on all drivers, whether they are impaired or not. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that an estimated 30 individuals per day are killed in crashes involving one or more alcohol-impaired drivers. Impairment can also occur from other substances. These can include over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as recreational drugs.

Truck Safety Advocacy

Truckers, trucking companies, and other drivers can utilize the resources and assistance of a number of truck safety advocacy groups. Nationally-recognized organizations include the Truck Safety Coalition, the Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways (CRASH) Foundation, and Parents Against Tired Truckers (PATT). Truckers and family members who wish to learn more about truck safety efforts are encouraged to contact these groups.

Truck safety organizations are dedicated to:

  • Reducing injuries and deaths that result from truck-related accidents
  • Providing support to crash survivors and the family members of deceased truck crash victims
  • Educating the public, the media, and policy-makers about critical truck safety issues

 

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Sources:

Atkinson, William. “Trucking safety: problems and progress.” Risk Management Nov. 2002: 34+. Academic OneFile. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.

“New Trucking Alliance looking to influence Washington trucking safety initiatives.” Logistics Management [Highlands Ranch, Co.] Jan. 2013: 16+. Academic OneFile. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.

“Safety and Trucking.” New York Times 23 Sept. 2009: A34(L). Academic OneFile. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.