MYRTLE BEACH TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Fatigue is common among commercial truck drivers. They spend hours on the road and can drive hundreds of miles in a single shift. Although federal law limits the number of hours truckers can drive, some will travel beyond the maximum limit to stay on schedule and make money.

Operating a large truck requires attention and focus. It might not seem like dangerous behavior, but feeling tired can prevent a trucker from noticing dangerous conditions or braking in time to avoid a crash. It can significantly impair the truck driver’s mental and physical faculties when fatigue sets in.

Whether a truck’s cargo is destined for warehouses, residences, or retail stores, it’s crucial that the cargo remains within the maximum weight and size limits. Overloading a cargo container can place too much weight on the tires, causing them to explode. The extra weight can also prevent the trucker from having total control over the vehicle.

Using the correct securement devices is also necessary. The cargo should remain in place during transport so nothing shifts, which can throw the truck off balance, and so that nothing falls off the back of the trailer. Defective tie-downs or straps won’t keep cargo securely in place. A large object could become a dangerous obstacle if it ends up in

Commercial truck blind spots extend farther than the blind spots on passenger vehicles. Instead of two, truck drivers must pay attention to four. There is a blind spot on either side of the vehicle, in front of the cab, and behind the trailer.

Truckers should always check their blind spots before maneuvering around other vehicles. The truck could sideswipe a small car traveling alongside if the truck driver doesn’t check their blind spots before changing lanes.

Truck drivers can’t slam on their brakes while maintaining control of the entire tractor-trailer. It’s critical for the trucker to slowly apply the brakes long before stopping for traffic or red light. Using the incorrect method to stop the rig can cause the trucker to lose control and crash.

Additionally, the momentum of stopping suddenly can cause the trailer to skid or the entire vehicle to roll over. Since commercial trucks are heavy and high off the ground, the truck driver must navigate carefully around turns, down hills, and past small cars.

Texting and driving isn’t only illegal on the state level. Federal regulations also prohibit commercial drivers from using a hand-held mobile device while operating a commercial truck. Although most people are aware of the dangers of texting while driving, many other distractions can lead to an accident.

Drinking, eating, changing the radio, and turning to look at a passenger are common examples of distracted driving. Multi-tasking isn’t possible while operating a large truck. Anything that takes the trucker’s eyes, hands, or focus off the task of driving prevents them from driving safely.

Vehicle maintenance is essential no matter what kind of vehicle you drive. It’s particularly crucial when it’s a commercial truck. The various parts and systems must function correctly for the truck driver to make it to their destination. Without the necessary maintenance and repairs, a damaged or defective part could cause the vehicle to malfunction.

Every truck driver must inspect their truck at the end of every driving shift. The trucking company is supposed to perform routine maintenance as well. If the trucker discovers damage, defects, or another issue, they must record it in their travel log so the motor carrier can address it.

Turning right or left at excessive speeds is hazardous in a large truck since it sits high off the ground. Commercial trucks are more susceptible to rolling over due to the high center of gravity.

When truck drivers approach a turn, they must slow down and proceed around the turn or bend carefully. Taking the turn too quickly can cause a rollover crash. It’s much harder to control where the vehicle goes while traveling at high speeds.

Speeding is reckless. Whether a truck driver is on the highway or on a secluded road, they must obey the speed limit. It becomes more of a challenge to slow down or stop when necessary if someone exceeds a safe speed in an 80,000-pound truck.

A trucker exceeding the speed limit likely won’t have enough time to stop and avoid a crash if they encounter an obstacle in the road or traffic suddenly comes to a standstill. The violent impact of a collision between a small car and a large truck traveling at a high rate of speed can be deadly to the smaller vehicle’s occupants.