Top  Five Causes of Trucking Accidents and How to Prevent Them

Trucks accidents are one of the most devastating incidents on the roads. There are often significant injuries, fatalities, and property damage. There are a few primary causes of why these accidents happen, and it is important to know the steps in preventing these accidents and bringing awareness to how often these accidents happen. 

Top Five Causes of Truck Accidents and Solutions 

1. The number one cause of trucking accidents is driver fatigue. Long hours on the road often lead drivers to exhaustion, this impairs their decision making and reaction times. Some employees and companies often push driving limits. It’s important to raise awareness of limiting driving hours to decrease the risks of accidents.  
2. The second leading cause of truck accidents is distracted driving. This goes for all drivers as well. Using a phone, tampering with the radio, or attempting to eat and drive are all distractions that can lead to a catastrophic accident. It’s extremely important to wait until you can pull over to use devices and eat meals.  
3. The third cause is lack of experience and training. Companies often are very desperate for drivers that they do not give them the proper training skills required. This can lead to many accidents and complications on the road. There needs to be several regulations and training guides before allowing new drivers onto the road. 
4. The fourth cause is failing to check blind spots. This often happens with trucks a lot because of how large their vehicles are. Truck drivers have significant blind spots on all sides of their trucks. Drivers need to allow themselves enough space and time before merging sides without checking properly.  
5. The final main cause of trucking accidents is overloading or improperly loading cargo trucks. Exceeding weight limits or unevenly distributing cargo can affect a truck's stability, making it possible for the truck to lose control and roll over. There needs to be safety checks before drivers begin their ride to ensure its properly loaded and not exceeding weight limits.  

While accidents can sometimes be unpredictable, it's important to mitigate the risks as much as possible, and ensure you have adequate coverage in the event of a claim. With over 55 years of experience in the transportation industry, ECBM will advocate for your business' needs and give you the peace of mind that comes with a knowledgably partner.  Contact us today to learn more about our trucking insurance solutions.