Commercial trucks are referred to as commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This term applies to any large truck with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) over 26,000 lbs. or any bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers. Most people associate the commercial trucks seen regularly on Florida roads as tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, or semi-trucks.
Since late 2009 through the end of 2012, the total number of commercial trucks operating on US roads has increased by nearly 20%. This increase is partially attributed to a gradual, but steady economic recovery, and the trend is expected to continue over the next few years. More commercial trucks on US roads, compounded by some safety shortcuts and driver-training deficiencies, have yielded a notably higher incidence of commercial trucking accidents.
Reasons Why Commercial Truck Accidents are on the Rise
Fatalities from commercial truck accidents increased in 2012 for the third consecutive year, killing 3,921. That figure represents a 3.7% increase from 2011, according to the NHTSA. The number of large-truck occupants who died in accidents also rose by 8.9%.
Nearly 20,000 accident-related injuries are linked to driver fatigue each year. Driver fatigue, also called drowsy driving, is the leading cause of commercial trucking accidents and truck accident fatalities. Here is a comprehensive list of the reasons why more trucks on US roads could mean a potential rise in truck accidents:
- Driver Fatigue / Drowsy Driving: Typically results from long hauls, company’s unlawful demands pushing drivers on tight deadlines, or violations of HOS (hours of service) provisions.
- Driver Distraction: Talking on a cell phone, texting, or surfing the internet via handheld devices while driving.
- Inexperience or Inadequate Training: Local/small companies may substitute inexperienced or unlicensed operators to cut cost. Beyond CDL training, most rookie drivers receive little or no formal training in defensive driving tactics or emergency maneuvers.
- Inadequate Preventive Maintenance, Repairs, & Inspections: Skipping routine equipment inspections or performing shoddy/short-cut “in-house” repairs:
- Tires: Trucks often use recycled tires which are retreaded or “re-grovable”. Over time, these tires can wear down below safe operating levels. Regular inspections of all 18 wheels are necessary to identify and replace any worn tires before they blow out.
- Hydraulic brakes: Certain heavy trucks use hydraulic systems to brake and power other devices, such as an external mechanical arm or a crane. Hydraulic systems use their own separate fluid reservoirs and hoses, which can wear and leak over time.
- Air brakes: Air compressor tanks, lines, hoses, and fittings all require close inspection to prevent leaks and braking failure.
- Trailer brake connections: Leaky hose connections and couplings can produce reduced braking ability in a trailer’s wheels, the wheels that support the majority of the cargo’s weight.
- Improperly Secured Loads: Failing to distribute loads (evenly), using unsafe or inadequate anchor points, rusty/worn/frayed ratcheting connectors and straps.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Operation in snowy conditions, heavy precipitation, dense fog, other limited visibility or on icy roads.
- Excessive Speed: Exceeding posted speed limits to shorten delivery times or failing to reduce operational speeds to compensate for adverse weather conditions (ice, snow, fog).
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is attempting to reverse the trend of rising truck accidents and has established a new set of rules, enacted in July of 2013. The new provision changes previous Hours-of-Service Regulations and calls for more rest time for long-distance drivers. The new provisions can be viewed in full detail on the US DOT website.
References:
Roads of America
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety
US DOT FMCSA
CDC
