4 BAD BEHAVIORS THAT LEAD TO TRUCK CRASHES
Kentucky motorists share the roads with commercial vehicles every day. These huge, powerful trucks are crucial in ensuring cargo is transported across the state and country, but they are operated by people who can make some serious mistakes behind the wheel.
Just like any other driver, truckers can make bad decisions, lose focus and violate traffic laws. The difference, however, is that when a trucker makes these mistakes, the results are typically catastrophic. Below are just four of the more common bad behaviors that truckers might engage in that lead to devastating wrecks.
Driving without a proper license or training: Commercial drivers are required to have a commercial license and be trained in operating these vehicles. They must also pass language tests and be medically cleared for this occupation.
Using a cellphone while driving: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truckers are six times more likely to be involved a crash or near-crash when they are dialing a phone. This is why it is against the law for any commercial driver to text or use a handheld phone behind the wheel.
Driving while drugged or drunk: Many truckers resort to using unsafe and/or illegal substances on the road. Some do it to stay alert; others do it to combat the boredom. In either case, the trucker is impaired a threat to the safety of others.
Violating Hours of Service regulations: These federal regulations are in place to combat drowsy driving by restricting the number of hours a commercial driver can operate their truck. However, truckers might falsify logbook entries so they can drive longer than is safe or legally allowed.
These are just some of the ways that truckers take risks with their lives and the lives of the other people on the road. While these behaviors are dangerous for any driver to engage in, they are particularly dangerous for someone operating a massive truck hauling heavy and sometimes hazardous cargo.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, it can be crucial that you consult an attorney. With legal guidance, you can work to identify any negligence or recklessness that would provide the basis for a person injury claim.