At least weekly, the media presents more and more information indicating that truck accidents are on the rise. Just last week, there were news reports of a motorist stuck between two tractor trailers in South Brunswick. It is unclear whether this particular driver was injured. However, there are concerns that truck accidents are increasing at alarming speeds.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains statistics concerning all types of accidents, including those involving trucks. They concur that there has been an increase in truck related accidents involving personal injury or fatalities. The surge may be as high as 20% from previous years.

Some Causes for Truck Accidents

Although the United States imposes strict guidelines on truckers, this does not necessarily mean they are routinely followed. Truck drivers are restricted to work a certain number of hours and their time must be impeccably recorded. They must also pass standard medical tests in order to maintain special licenses. However, tractor-trailer operators are also paid to move materials to their destinations. In some instances, the truck driver may cut corners to make the time. This could mean working more hours than permissible. It could also suggest that some truck drivers are less than alert and speeding at higher than posted speeds.

Some Driving Tips to Avoid Truck Accidents

The onus to avoid truck accidents is not just on the truck driver. Automobile operators can also do their part to diminish the possibility of an accident with the substantially larger vehicle. Here are some important tips to remember:

• Do not abruptly step on the brakes when a truck is behind you. It takes a larger vehicle longer to stop and it is more difficult to make a quick lane change with a tractor-trailer.
• Avoid passing a truck on the right hand side. The length of the truck increases its blind spot radius and the truck driver may not see you.
• Do not tailgate a truck. If the tractor-trailer stops suddenly, your car can wind up beneath it.
• Pay attention. If you see a tractor-trailer making a turn, consider the extra time it will take them to do so. Imagine yourself behind the wheel of the truck.
• Make sure your car is visible to the trucker. Maintain a distance that allows the truck driver to see you.

Involved in a Truck Accident?

If you sustain personal injury as the result of an accident with a truck, it is important to seek legal counsel. It does not matter if you are the truck driver or the operator of some other motor vehicle. Beninato & Matrafajlo has handled these types of claims for a number of decades. Set up an appointment to meet with us.