Making Safety a Priority in the Trucking Industry
October 17, 2019
Driving a large commercial truck for a living is not always easy. Truck drivers often work long hours, face tight deadlines, and have to navigate busy highways, sometimes during inclement weather conditions. Driving responsibly and ensuring that the truck is in top working condition is part of the job, yet serious truck accidents continue to occur across the country, causing devastating injuries and fatalities. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that truck drivers can take to avoid safety concerns in the industry.
The following are examples of some of the top trucking safety issues and tips on how to avoid them:
- Loading Issues: To save money, some truck drivers may be tempted to add more cargo to the truck than guidelines permit. This makes it more difficult for the truck to stop. In addition, if the cargo is loose, the shifting weight of the cargo can cause the truck to tip over. Always follow the proper rules for loading.
- Blind Spots: Commercial trucks have very large blind spots, which can increase the chance of an accident if a truck driver does not see another vehicle in the vicinity. While cameras and detectors help, truck drivers should pay close attention to their surroundings at all times.
- Distracted Driving: From handheld smartphones to various onboard technologies, there are many distractions that can take a truck driver’s attention off the road.
- Drowsy Driving: Between the long hours and the monotony of the road, it is common for truck drivers to become fatigued. Unfortunately, being awake for 18 hours straight can have the same physical symptoms as if the driver were to have a blood alcohol level of 0.5 percent. When fatigue starts to set in, truck drivers should get some fresh air or something to eat. If there is a safe place to pull over, stop and get some rest.
- Speeding: It can be tempting to speed, particularly on a long haul, but the massive size of the truck and the weight of the load makes it very difficult for a truck to quickly come to a complete stop. Speeding also uses more fuel. Always follow the posted speed limit.
- Changing Road Conditions: Inclement weather, traffic accidents, and road work can unexpectedly impact driving conditions. Drivers should adjust their speed accordingly and leave a greater following distance between the truck and the vehicle ahead. Make sure to use the appropriate signals and pull over if road conditions become dangerous.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Truck Accidents
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Many of these accidents can be avoided if the truck driver makes safety a priority and keeps their truck in good working condition. Our skilled legal team will secure the maximum financial compensation for your injuries and ensure that your rights are protected at all times. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson,allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
