The Potential Causes of Many Truck Accidents
What are the most common driving violations by commercial truckers? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains and enforces extensive regulations on the operation of commercial trucks and trucking operations, working to minimize the risks these massive vehicles pose to other drivers. What could commercial truckers be doing to reduce the risk of tragedy on the roadways in Texas?
The Deadly Toll that Truck Accidents Take in Texas
According to statistics compiled by the National Safety Council (NSC), Texas led the nation in 2023 with 730 fatalities in large truck accidents. California was a distant second with 392 deaths. Experts say the high rate of fatal truck accidents in the Lone Star State stems from a number of factors, including the extensive interstate highway system that traverses Texas, as well as the higher speeds allowed on some Texas highways and the state’s robust economy.
What Are the Most Common Driving Violations by Commercial Truckers?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration collects extensive data every year regarding violations on the road. The top five violations include:
- The use of excessive speed on the road—The “pay-per-load” system in commercial trucking creates a strong incentive to put the pedal down
- Hours of service (time on the road) violations—Though there are specific rules to limit time on the road, they are often ignored or flaunted by drivers who are seeking to make more money
- Failure to obey traffic signals—Many large commercial trucks will cruise through a red light or stop sign because of their size
- Overloading or poor loading—Some truckers try to make more money by carrying too much cargo, while others don’t evenly distribute weight across the trailer
- Drug and alcohol use—Some truckers take controlled substances to try to stay awake for long hauls. Others turn to alcohol to avoid the boredom of the road.
Let Us Help Protect Your Rights after Any Type of Truck Accident in Texas
At the Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz, we have more than 26 years of experience protecting the rights of personal injury victims in Harlingen, McAllen, Brownsville and Houston, across Texas and nationwide, including people who have suffered any type of injury in a Texas car, truck or motorcycle accident. We will use our considerable experience, skill, knowledge and resources to help you get the outcome you want. Free call, text or chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week–https://delapazlaw.com/.
Handling Motor Vehicle Accident Cases Nationwide, Including, but not limited to Texas, Florida, New Mexico, Illinois and Oklahoma