We’ve all been driving on the highway, and it feels like an 18 wheeler next to us is moving into our lane. In fact, a study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration confirms that this fear, of an 18 wheeler crowding us on the highway is legitimate. 18 wheelers veering into other drivers is a primary cause of 18 wheeler accidents.
Recent Study Confirms Veering into Traffic is a Major Cause of 18 Wheeler Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) to examine the reasons for serious crashes involving large trucks and 18 wheelers.
The total study sample of 963 crashes involved that resulted in 249 fatalities and 1,654 injuries. Of the 963 crashes in the sample, 73 percent involved a large truck colliding with at least one other vehicle. This study found several critical events that led to the accidents which caused nearly 250 deaths, including:
- Veering out of their lane either into neighboring or oncoming traffic or veering off of the road
- Losing control of the vehicle due to excess speed, shifting cargo that isn’t properly secured, or equipment failure
- Rear ending another vehicle in front of them
What Causes an 18 Wheeler to Veer into Oncoming Traffic
There are many factors that can influence a driver or cause a crash. Elements such as the time of day, the maintenance of the tractor and trailer, weather conditions, and the exhaustion of the driver are all factors that can contribute to an accident or near miss. The following conditions or occurrences can cause poor driving:
- Driver fatigue
- Drinking alcohol or doing drugs
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driver training and experience
- Vehicle maintenance and equipment quality
- Time of day and lighting
- Weather conditions
- Traffic
Although all of these things can be factors in a crash or poor driving, the first three, tend to be the most predominant causes of 18 wheeler accidents.
Contact a Houston Attorney Handling Cases of 18 Wheelers Veering into other Drivers
32% of 18 wheeler accidents are caused by a driver veering into oncoming traffic or another lane crashing into other vehicles. This type of behavior can be caused by negligence on the part of the driver or the company maintaining the truck. If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you may be suffering from serious injuries. Discuss your legal remedies with an attorney experienced in handling 18 wheeler cases. Contact Chelsie King Garza today.
