The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported nearly 160,000 truck crashes in the US in 2023, resulting in nearly 75,000 injuries and 5,000 deaths. Bad weather significantly impacts road safety, particularly for large trucks. These heavy vehicles already require longer stopping distances even under ideal conditions, and bad weather only makes things worse. Understanding the answer to the question, “Does a truck take longer to stop during bad weather conditions?” is imperative to safely share the road with these drivers. So, let’s explore how weather affects truck [...]
Trucking plays an essential role in transporting goods across the nation, but the size and weight of these vehicles make them particularly dangerous during accidents. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that almost 6,000 commercial trucks are involved in fatal crashes each year, with another 117,300 truck accidents resulting in injuries. However, advancements in trucking technology are paving the way for safer roads. New innovations are being designed to help reduce truck accidents by addressing key factors like driver error, road hazards, and mechanical failures. Here are some [...]
It’s common to lose track of time, especially if you’re performing mundane tasks at work or when you’re out having fun with friends. That same sensation of “lost time” can also occur while driving. That's a phenomenon known as highway hypnosis or white-line fever. It happens when your brain takes over, and you drive as a matter of routine while losing touch with your surroundings. It is also a condition that can lead to accidents. Understanding Highway Hypnosis Highway hypnosis is best described as losing a sense of [...]
One of the most popular resolutions many people make each year is to get into better shape. Unfortunately, that pledge is hard for many to follow through on, and it can impact all aspects of society, including the trucking industry. According to data collected by the American Trucking Associations, there were 3.54 million truck drivers employed in the U.S. in 2022. The concern is that a poor diet could lead to poor driving behavior in truckers, and that translates into an increased risk of accidents. A study published [...]
The federal government passed a national seat belt law in 1968. Once passed, it required all auto manufacturers to make those safety devices standard in every new car. That didn’t mean drivers and passengers had to use the belts; it just had to be installed on new vehicles. Washington adopted its mandatory law in 2002. Today, collision avoidance technology (CAT) might be the new “seatbelt.” President Biden’s Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, has proposed a law to make collision avoidance technology mandatory on all new cars. According to NBC [...]
Safety is the most important concern of the commercial trucking industry, where large vehicles navigate busy highways and urban streets alongside smaller passenger vehicles. With the potential for devastating accidents and severe consequences, integrating advanced safety technologies becomes crucial. Among these truck technologies, forward-collision warning (FCW) systems stand out as a promising tool to prevent collisions and protect both truck drivers and other road users. Let’s explore how forward-collision warning technology is making commercial trucks safer on the road. The Basics of Forward-Collision Warning Systems Forward-collision warning systems [...]
Most of us have heard the warning that speed kills. It's not just a catchy saying. It's the truth. Car drivers often fear sharing the road with truckers. While they do so for many reasons, one big one is because they've seen the destruction that can occur when large trucks and passenger cars collide -- especially if one or both vehicles are traveling at a high rate of speed. Concerns about these crashes are one of the reasons why motorists often inquire, "Do all tractor-trailers have speed governors?" [...]
In the trucking industry, nothing is more important than safety. Truck drivers are responsible for operating massive vehicles that can pose significant risks of injury and death if not handled with care. Obviously, it’s illegal to operate a truck (or any vehicle) when impaired, especially beyond the legal limit, but one question that often arises is, “Can a trucker drink before going on duty?” Let's take a closer look at this topic, as well as the regulations, risks, and responsibilities involved. A Zero Tolerance Policy Is in Place [...]
All truck drivers need to abide by certain regulations. One of the most important requirements is to ensure that these individuals are not under the influence when they operate any vehicle. If they test positive, it can lead to serious consequences for the driver and their employer. At the Trucking Injury Law Group, we have seen the outcome of these tragic accidents. So, what happens if a truck driver fails a drug test? Let's explore the potential consequences of a positive drug test. Drug Testing in the Trucking [...]
Even if you’ve been driving for a long time, when you have to travel near or next to a large truck, it can be intimidating. How do you know if the trucker even sees you? Or, what if they start to swerve into your lane, and you get stuck between the big rig and the concrete median that separates the highway? This begs the question: is it safe to pass a truck on the right? The quick answer is no, but it’s important to understand the reasons why [...]
