18-wheeler accidents are a major cause of serious injury and death in the United States. These large trucks are often used to transport goods and materials across long distances and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Due to their size and weight, 18-wheeler accidents can be particularly hazardous, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Common causes of 18-wheeler accidents include driver fatigue, distracted driving, improper loading, and inadequate maintenance. Houston records an enormous amount of truck accidents every year because of oil fields and several other reasons. To keep yourself protected following a truck accident, you need to speak with the Houston 18-wheeler accident attorneys. They will give you legal protection and protection from insurance companies.
Reasons 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas Are High
18-wheeler accidents are a major problem in Texas, accounting for a significant portion of highway fatalities each year. Here are eight reasons why they’re so common in the Lone Star State:
Increased truck traffic: Texas is the largest state in the US, and its many highways and interstates bear the brunt of a large amount of long-haul truck traffic. High traffic means more chances for accidents to occur.
Distracted driving: With the number of cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices available to drivers, it’s no surprise that distraction is a major factor in many truck accidents. Truckers are distracted by these devices, which leads to severe accidents, causing a lot of problems.
Excessive speed: With the wide-open spaces in Texas, many drivers are tempted to push their vehicles beyond the speed limit. This can be especially true for truck drivers, who may be trying to make up for the lost time. Furthermore, truck drivers want to get as many orders as possible to earn extra cash, and this leads to them speeding and causing accidents.
Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to driver fatigue, which can make it difficult for drivers to remain alert and react quickly to unexpected hazards on the road. Truck drivers get tired, which impairs their ability to drive and see properly. This counts as a huge reason behind this high rate of accidents in Texas.
Poorly maintained vehicles: A large number of commercial vehicles on the roads of Texas means that some of them are bound to be poorly maintained. Faulty brakes, worn tires, and other problems can lead to serious accidents. Drivers don’t pay extra attention to the maintenance of their vehicles as long as they are working, which leads to severe accidents.
Poor weather conditions: Texas can experience all sorts of extreme weather conditions, from brutal summer heat to icy winter roads. This can make it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.
Unfamiliar roads: Truckers often have to drive through unfamiliar areas, and this can lead to mistakes such as taking wrong turns or missing exits.
Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time, leading to serious accidents.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the reasons why 18-wheeler accidents are so common in Texas. By taking steps such as educating drivers on safe driving practices, providing regular maintenance for vehicles, and enforcing laws against distracted and impaired driving, we can help to reduce the number of truck accidents in our state.
