Have you ever seen a semi-truck stopped in the roadway or pulled off to the shoulder and thought, “That doesn’t look safe”? Well, that’s because it isn’t. Semi-trucks stopped on the roadway are like an accident waiting to happen. As truck accident lawyers, we’ve seen it all.
According to the Department of Transportation, 6% of fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred when a truck was stopped in the roadway.
Between 2013 and 2022, in the United States, there were 48,308 reported fatalities in crashes involving large trucks.
In other words, in approximately a decade, close to 2,898 people were killed in collisions where large trucks were stopped in the roadway.
Promoting Safety in Commercial Motor Carriers
There are many ways commercial motor carriers can minimize scenarios when large trucks break down or are carelessly stopped on the roadway.
- It is their responsibility to properly train all drivers of big rigs.
- It is critical to maintain their vehicles and equipment in top working condition.
- They should be engaging in thoughtful and safe route planning.
Promoting safety in commercial motor carriers is a collective effort that requires proper training, vehicle maintenance, route planning, and technology implementation.
By prioritizing safety at every level of operation, commercial motor carriers can reduce the risks associated with large trucks on the roads. They have a responsibility to protect both their drivers and other road users.
Remember – safe driving practices benefit everyone on the road!
Importance of Truck Driver Training
Driver training is vital to ensuring safety in commercial motor carriers. It involves providing drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate large trucks safely on the road.
This includes understanding traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, vehicle maintenance procedures, and emergency response protocols.
Proper driver training can help prevent accidents caused by human error, such as fatigue, distracted driving, or reckless behavior.
It also promotes compliance with federal regulations and industry standards, reducing the risk of penalties and legal consequences for companies.
How Truck Companies Can Minimize Truck Breakdowns on the Road
Commercial motor carriers can minimize truck breakdowns by conducting regular maintenance checks on all vehicles and equipment. This includes checking the tires, brakes, lights, engine components, and other crucial parts of the truck.
By identifying potential issues early on, carriers can address them before they become major problems that could lead to breakdowns on the road.
They must also invest in quality equipment and parts. While using cheap or substandard parts may save money in the short term, they can lead to costly breakdowns and repairs down the line.
By investing in quality equipment and parts from reputable suppliers, carriers can ensure that their vehicles are less likely to experience unexpected failures.
Regularly monitoring vehicle performance data can also help commercial motor carriers identify potential issues before they escalate into breakdowns.
By tracking metrics such as fuel efficiency, engine performance, and maintenance history, carriers can proactively address any anomalies or trends that could indicate impending issues with their vehicles.
Driver Assistance Tools Can Help Prevent Accidents
Implementing technologies such as GPS tracking systems or driver assistance tools can also enhance safety in commercial motor carriers.
These technologies can provide real-time information on vehicle locations, speed, and driving behavior, allowing companies to monitor their drivers’ performance and address any concerns proactively.
Additionally, driver assistance tools like lane departure warnings or collision avoidance systems can help prevent accidents by alerting drivers to potential hazards on the road.
Truck Safety Means Proper Use of Hazard Signals
Sometimes emergencies happen, and a driver may have no choice but to pull their semi-truck off to the shoulder or stop in the roadway.
In those scenarios, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations provide guidance to commercial drivers on exactly what to do to reduce the chances of a collision.
Specifically, under 49 CFR 392.22, whenever a commercial motor vehicle is stopped on the roadway for any purpose other than a necessary traffic stop, the driver SHALL immediately activate their vehicular hazard warning signal flashers. They must also continue the flashing until the driver can place down the appropriate roadway warning devices.
Those warning devices, which consist of three reflective orange triangles, are to be placed behind the vehicle at distances of 10, 100, and 100 feet (for a total distance of 210 feet). This will provide drivers with adequate warning of the hazard created by the stopped truck (See figure below).
Why Hazard Signals Matter for Semi-Trucks
As we navigate the highways and roads of our daily commute, we often encounter tractor trailers sharing the road with us. These massive vehicles play a crucial role in transporting goods across the country.
But, when they fail to activate their hazard warning signals or set up proper warning devices when stopped, they pose a significant danger to all motorists.
The size and weight of semi-trucks make them inherently more dangerous than smaller vehicles on the road. When a big truck stops on the highway or shoulder without activating its hazard warning flashers or setting up warning devices such as reflective triangles, it becomes a hazard to other drivers.
With these visual cues, approaching motorists may realize that the truck is stationary when it’s too late, leading to potential collisions, serious injuries, and fatalities.
When motorists are unable to clearly identify a stopped vehicle as a potential hazard, they may not take appropriate precautions, such as changing lanes or reducing speed.
This lack of awareness can result in dangerous situations where accidents are more likely to occur.
How to Avoid Tractor Trailer Accident Collisions
If you see a stopped semi-truck on the roadway or shoulder that has failed to activate its hazard warning signal flashers, be careful. If a big rig is on the side of the road without the appropriate warning devices, it is putting your life in danger.
By recognizing the risks and dangers posed by unsafe truck drivers, we can work together to hold them accountable and make the roads safer for ourselves and our loved ones.
All drivers must be vigilant and aware of their surroundings while on the road. If you see a stopped semi-truck without its hazard warning flashers activated or proper warning devices in place, it’s crucial to proceed with caution.
Slow down, change lanes if possible, and give the truck plenty of space to prevent potential accidents. Taking proactive measures like these can help mitigate the risks posed by unmarked semi-trucks on the road.
Hire Experienced Truck Crash Lawyers
Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, but when it involves a large commercial vehicle, the stakes are even higher. If you are seriously injured in a car accident with a tractor trailer, seek legal guidance from an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer.
Our truck accident attorneys are here to help you navigate the complexities of tractor trailer accident claims. The Yost Legal Group will fight for the justice you deserve.
Truck accident claims are not like regular car accident claims. Commercial vehicles have rules that apply to them. If there is an accident, the truck driver, trucking company, or truck manufacturer could be responsible.
An experienced tractor trailer accident attorney will know how to investigate the accident thoroughly, review all the evidence, and determine who should be held accountable for your injuries.
Our experienced truck collision attorneys have a proven track record of successfully handling complex tractor-trailer accident claims.
We will work tirelessly to seek justice for you and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Call experienced 18 wheeler accident attorneys at 800-967-8529 for a free case evaluation.
Recovering the Right Compensation for your Catastrophic Injury
At The Yost Legal Group, we understand the severe impact a truck accident can have on your life. Despite strict regulations, many people are seriously injured or killed due to driver mistakes, vehicle defects, and company negligence.
Since 1985, our commercial truck accident lawyers have been dedicated to securing fair compensation for those injured in truck accidents. Filing a lawsuit can help you recover compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial hardships.
Let our car accident law firm file a personal injury case on your behalf. We will stand by you every step of the way.