Why Are There So Many Truck Accidents in New Jersey?

Most people know that the weight and size of commercial trucks can amplify the outcomes of an accident such that the injuries facing a victim are severe. However, the fact that there are so many truck accidents across roads all over the United States, and especially in New Jersey, can seem puzzling because regulators and safety equipment have both taken numerous steps to try to minimize the potential impact of trucking accidents.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines require that truck drivers follow a strict set of rules and that the companies hiring truck drivers engage in regular supervision and training to minimize the potential for accidents. Despite this fact, however, truck accidents still persist across the United States.
When you share the road with a professional truck driver, it can be scary -- especially if these truck drivers appear to be operating their truck aggressively and are speeding. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tractor-trailers only represent 3% of vehicles registered across the United States but nearly 9% of all fatal crashes on American roads can be attributed to tractor-trailers. There are numerous different reasons why the rate of trucking accidents and, in particular, severe injuries and fatality accidents are so common with trucks in New Jersey:

1. The big size of a truck, especially if it’s moving hazardous cargo, means that the fallout from such an accident can have lasting repercussions. If other drivers can’t get out of the way quickly enough, they may wind up in a multi-car pileup.

2. Driver Fatigue - There are strict rules about how long truck drivers can be behind the wheel before they must stop and take a break. However, many of them have to commute numerous miles to get to their job in the first place or may be fatigued because of their employer requesting them to work the maximum. No matter how many regulations and laws there are, driver fatigue remains a problem in the trucking industry. Drivers may also receive mixed messages from the trucking company employing them. While they are required to take regular breaks on the road and to sleep a certain number of hours every single day, human nature also encourages them to push ahead when there are unplanned delays or delivery deadlines. Many of these drivers continue to operate their trucks when it is unsafe to do so.

3. Drug Use - Drugs are a common reason for trucking accidents, according to truck accident attorneys. Furthermore, driving while intoxicated is a common problem in many vehicle accidents in general. When you consider that a heavy truck is moving at high speeds and carrying an oversized load, the dangers associated with improper judgement or failure to stop in time because of use of illicit substances such as drugs or alcohol can significantly increase the chances of a severe accident.

4. Mechanical Breakdowns - A trucking company is responsible for carrying out regular maintenance on its vehicles to minimize the chances of an accident. Proper truck maintenance is in fact the best way to identify whether a truck is truly safe to be on the road. Flagging these problems early on can keep a driver from heading out onto roads at high speeds with an existing mechanical problem. When equipment failure does occur, it could be as a result of a product defect, improper maintenance or the trucking company fixing an issue ineffectively. Unsafe conditions are often created by mechanical breakdowns. These situations can typically be the fault of a trucking company or mechanic who had responsibility for maintaining the vehicle. Tire blowouts are a serious concern because of the size of tires on commercial trucks, which can blowout into the roadway and cause more serious accidents. A major tire blowout can also cause the truck itself to become unsteady and to swerve into other vehicles. In some of these cases, a proper investigation may reveal that a third party has some responsibility for faulty maintenance or improper parts. Trucks can age over time and may also be susceptible to wear and tear from weather and many hours on the road. Safety inspections required by trucking companies can flag these issues early on so that a mechanical issue doesn’t turn into a total breakdown.

5. Aggressive Driving and Road Rage - Long hours on the road can make for angry and frustrated drivers. With the pressure to meet a delivery deadline, truck drivers are subject to a significant amount of stress. This can lead to road rage. A driver may take aggressive action without remembering the force and weight of their vehicle and big rigs can generate tragic accidents when these conditions arise.

6. Inappropriate Driver Training - Drivers should be thoroughly trained by the commercial trucking company before hitting the road. Truckers face many road hazards on a daily basis, including prolonged driving at night, icy roads, driving in congested areas and driving in unfamiliar territory. Furthermore, the truck driver must feel confident operating his truck in all weather and traffic conditions. When new drivers have not been appropriately trained to effectively cope with these situations, accidents are more likely to happen.

7. Distracted Driving - Distracted driving is extremely prevalent for all vehicle operators, and the trucking industry is no exception. Long drives can get especially boring, and truck drivers are already masters of multitasking because of the hours they spend on the road. They are often using a cell phone to talk or text, using a CB radio or setting GPS coordinates. Eating and drinking are also commonplace to save time. All of this adds up to distracted driving and extremely dangerous conditions for drivers.

Anyone who is hurt in a serious trucking accident may wish to learn more about their rights and what to do next. And of course, it is important to get medical attention to be sure that you do not have severe medical conditions such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage.