How Can I Avoid Day or Night Truck Accidents?
June 2, 2020
Injuries caused by truck accidents can be devastating. Crashes involving only cars happen more often; however, when a passenger car is hit by a truck, the risk of serious injury and death is far greater. Although the trucking industry is heavily regulated to help improve the safety of our roads, truckers still get into accidents. Truck drivers face different challenges at night compared to driving during the day. Learning about these differences can help motorists avoid truck accidents day or night.
Driving at Night
Nighttime driving can be challenging for a trucker because darkness impedes the driver’s ability to see other vehicles. It is also harder to judge the speed of other vehicles in the dark. Visibility is always an issue for large commercial trucks that have blind spots, but nighttime makes it worse. Drowsy driving is also a problem. Many drivers are required to start their routes before dawn to make an early morning pickup. Getting up in the middle of the night interrupts the circadian rhythm of the human body. Once the trucker is on the road, dawn can produce sun glare and make it even harder to see oncoming traffic or other obstacles.
When Do Most Truck Accidents Occur?
It may seem logical to assume that truck accidents happen more often at night. After all, drivers are more likely to be tired at night, and there always seem to be more trucks on the road after dark, especially on the highways. However, the facts tell a different story. Fifty percent of large truck crash deaths in 2018 occurred from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., compared to 30 percent of crash deaths not involving large trucks. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), most truck accidents actually occur between noon and 3:00 p.m. on weekdays.
This is in contrast with accidents involving cars. Statistics indicate that serious car accidents are more likely to occur on Friday or Saturday nights, when more drivers are caught driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. In contrast, drivers of large trucks involved in fatal crashes rarely have a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC). One reason is because truckers are subject to strict government regulations concerning drinking and driving.
How to Avoid Truck Accidents
No matter what time of day you are driving, one of the most important steps you can take to avoid hitting a truck is to keep a safe distance. If a large truck is too close, speed up or slow down to give it more room to maneuver. If you cannot see the truck driver’s face in their side mirror, you may be in a blind spot. When changing lanes, avoid pulling right in front of a truck or cutting it off. It is more difficult for large trucks to brake than it is for passenger cars. Also, do not follow large trucks too closely, as some may be carrying debris that could fly off at any time.
Despite best efforts, accidents happen. If you have been seriously injured in a trucking accident and you believe that the driver or other parties were negligent, contact a Baltimore truck accident lawyer before accepting any settlements from insurance adjusters.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Obtain Compensation for Injured Victims
Accidents involving commercial trucks can be complex, often involving a host of state and federal regulations. If you have been hurt in a trucking accident, seek skilled legal guidance immediately. The knowledgeable Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are trained to investigate and evaluate cases involving all types of commercial trucks. Our experience in developing and negotiating cases enables us to obtain exceptional results for accident victims. To schedule a free consultation, call 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are conveniently located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie and Prince George’s County, where we represent victims throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood and Elkridge.
