Every year, truck accidents account for over 4,800 devastating accidents and fatalities across the country. In Georgia, the I-285 interstate highway is among the deadliest in the whole of U.S. A crash between an 18-wheeler rig and a normal passenger car usually results in devastating casualties with few possibilities of even surviving. Any collision with a large truck will most definitely result in significant property destruction since these trucks topple over with a tremendous amount of force and weight that is sure to wreak havoc to anything it comes in contact with.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration concluded that the major causes of truck accidents in Georgia were:
Trucking companies usually have set guidelines in place, stating how often a driver should sleep or take a breather. These guidelines are rarely followed given that these drivers are pushed by their employers to make a delivery within the shortest time possible. The rules don’t take into account whether there were any unavoidable delays like traffic jams or if the driver is unfamiliar with an area. Given the long distances and hours these drivers spend on the road, the accumulation of fatigue is inevitable. Drivers usually bend the guidelines to meet set timetables and to make up some overtime hours of their own. Getting behind the wheel fatigued increases the chance of them falling asleep and making mistakes while on the wheel.
Truck Defects
This is the second major cause of truck accidents in Georgia, which includes equipment malfunction and failure. It can result from poorly maintained and cheap equipment in the design and manufacturing stage. When such defects manifest on a busy highway, it can result in loss of lives and extensive property damage. Sometimes, the manufacturer may be at fault of selling defective parts that have a short lifespan that break down while on the move. When a driver suddenly experiences a problem with the steering or brakes, they will have little to no control over the truck, meaning a deadly collision will be imminent. Before hitting the road, trucking companies are required to conduct a safety inspection check to find and fix any defects they come across.
Weather Conditions
Just like any other car accident, the weather can play a contributing factor on the road conditions that lead to a truck accident. Wet and icy conditions are especially dangerous to big rigs, given how tall and heavy they are. Truckers need to have quick reaction timing when maintaining the appropriate braking distance required in adverse conditions. They should also ensure that the tyre grip is firm enough for any weather condition.
If we want to stop the 18 wheeler menace on our roads in Georgia, there needs to be stricter regulation for truck drivers and their employers. Accidents occurring as a result of driver error and negligence from their employers should be met with a harsh response from the law as well as compensations for the bereaved parties. Choose an experienced truck accident attorney to handle the claim for you and ensure you get the full compensation you deserve. You can also try to exercising caution every time you drive near these rigs.
