Trucking is a high-risk job that involves constant attention to your vehicle, you are driving, and other vehicles on the road at all times. Even one second of daydreaming or a moment of intense fatigue can lead to an accident. These accidents can cost both the driver and the trucking company dearly, leading to injured employees, loss of life, inventory loss, damage, production delays, liability and insurance costs, and lost business. Here are the top ways truckers can reduce accidents and save lives
- Improve signage and curve delineation - fatal crash rates on rural two lane roads is significantly higher than other road types.
- Stronger oversight - The NTSB has called on the FMCSA to strengthen oversight of operators, drivers and vehicles.
- Road safety - Increase use of milled shoulder and centre line rumble strips include these additional safety features in resurfacing projects.
- Advanced technology - require commercial vehicles to have collision warning tech, tire pressure monitor systems lane departure alerts and rollover stability control.
- Chameleon carriers - Implement a comprehensive system for ensuring that bad operators do not return to the industry under another name.
- Defensive driving - the public should employ defensive driving strategies when sharing the road with commercial vehicles. With commercial vehicles.
Facts of truck crashes
- 64% of fatal truck crashes occur on rural roads.
- 76% of truck crashes occur during daylight hours. Most large truck accidents occur between 6.am -.pm
- 30% of truck crashes occur due to driver fatigue. Tired drivers are factor in 30% of fatal crashes.
- #1 cause of truck accidents are due to speed.
- #2 reasons for truck accidents are due to driver distraction.
