Professionals driving semi-trucks must follow slightly different rules in traffic. Commercial truck drivers are subject to Hours of Service rules that limit how long they can be on the road and stricter limits for their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when compared with the average adult driver.
Unfortunately, semi-truck collisions still occur daily across the United States and often have devastating consequences for the people in the smaller vehicles involved. What are the most common causes of commercial vehicle crashes?
1. Driver errors
Decision-making errors are responsible for approximately 38% of the crashes caused by commercial vehicles. The driver with a CDL may maintain a faster speed than is reasonably safe given road conditions or may get too close to other drivers and traffic.
2. Surveillance issues
Another significant percentage of commercial vehicle collisions occur due to recognition errors or the failure to properly monitor traffic. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) asserts that approximately 28% of the collisions caused by commercial vehicles involve a recognition error on the part of the commercial driver.
3. Nonperformance
Approximately 12% of commercial vehicle crashes occur due to non-performance. The driver has a medical emergency or falls asleep at the wheel, which leaves them unable to continue driving. Other top issues reported by the FMCSA include vehicle issues, such as insufficient maintenance, and performance issues on the part of the commercial driver.
When the crash report clearly shows that the commercial vehicle was to blame for the wreck, the occupants of the smaller vehicle may have the option of requesting compensation. Reviewing the circumstances of a semi-truck collision can help the people affected by the crash pursue compensation from the appropriate party.
