Small Businesses Must Protect Themselves from the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents
There are numerous small businesses that rely on larger vehicles such as vans and trucks to get their supplies from place to place. These are valuable assets that need to be protected. Driving a truck is significantly different from driving any other vehicle. This is why drivers need a separate license to operate a truck. Sadly, truck accidents are a common issue that many small businesses face. It is critical for business leaders to know about the most common causes of accidents involving trucks.
According to Ankin Law Office, “Large commercial trucks must be maintained and examined to ensure that that are in safe working condition, and trucking companies have a responsibility to inspect their trucks to make sure that they are properly maintained.” Therefore, it should come as no surprise that one of the most common reasons why truck accidents take place is that the trucks have not been maintained properly. There are several aspects of truck maintenance that need to be addressed on a regular basis. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, belt changes, and brake pad inspections. If these tasks are not completed, it places not only the truck driver but also everyone else on the road at risk.
Next, another common cause of truck accidents is fatigue. It is not unusual for business leaders to work long hours. When these hours take place behind the wheel of a truck, drivers run the risk of getting tired quickly. People may not realize it; however, they may succumb to something known as highway hypnosis. When someone is driving down the road, the scenery can look similar from place to place. This can cause people to get bored and doze off. When they fall asleep behind the wheel of a car, this can lead to accidents.
Finally, alcohol and drug use remain one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Driving under the influence is a serious issue. Some people may feel like they are okay to drive; however, this places everyone at risk, including the driver. Alcohol and drugs can make people feel tired, causing them to fall asleep. Drug and alcohol use can also lead to poor judgment and reduced inhibitions, causing people to make rash decisions. Finally, drug and alcohol use can also cause people to react more slowly to changing road conditions. When drivers do not react quickly to changing road conditions, they run the risk of being involved in an accident. It is critical to stay away from drugs, particularly while operating heavy machinery such as a truck.
These are only a few of the many reasons why a truck accident might take place. It is important for small businesses to take steps to protect themselves accordingly. This will protect not only their business assets but also their employees and everyone else who might be on the road.
