Cherry Hill Truck Accident Lawyers: Majority of Truck Accidents Caused by Driver Error

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently conducted a study to determine the causes of serious accidents involving large trucks. The study found that where a large truck was the critical reason for the crash, 87 percent of these truck accidents were caused by truck driver error.

The study further analyzed the various types of truck driver errors, finding that most trucking accidents were caused by a poor decision on the truck driver’s part, for example, driving too fast for conditions, misjudging the speed of other vehicles or following too closely. Another common error involved truck driver recognition—for example, the driver was inattentive or distracted by something inside or outside of the vehicle. Other truck driver errors included “non-performance” (where the driver fell asleep or was otherwise physically impaired) and poor performance in response to roadway or weather conditions.

Of the 120,000 crashes studied where a large truck was deemed the critical reason for the crash, only ten percent of these accidents were caused by a problem with the vehicle, and a mere three percent were caused by the environment (roadway or weather conditions). The remaining 87 percent were all caused by truck driver error. The study recognized that elements leading to the occurrence of a crash may take place long before the crash itself occurs, for example, poor driver training and experience, issues with vehicle design and manufacture, driver substance abuse, fatigue and road conditions.

The study further examined three types of events that put the vehicles on a course towards an unavoidable collision, referred to as the “critical event.” These three events were: driving out of the travel lane; loss of vehicle control; and colliding with the rear end of another vehicle in the truck’s travel lane.

The study also quantified the “relative risk” of various factors. The relative risk is a number that indicates how likely it is that a given condition will lead to an auto accident. The study found that in situations in which cargo shifts in a large truck, it is 56.7 times more likely that the truck will be deemed the critical reason for a serious crash. Where a truck driver made an illegal maneuver, it is 26.4 times more likely that the maneuver will be the critical reason for the crash. When a truck driver is ill, it is 34 times more likely that the illness will be the critical reason for the crash.

Cherry Hill Trucking Accident Lawyers Fight for Victims of Trucking Accidents

Have you or someone you love been involved in a trucking accident? If so, contact the knowledgeable Cherry Hill truck accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law who will fight for your right to compensation. We represent accident victims throughout the greater Philadelphia metro area, including Cherry Hill, Philadelphia, Mount Holly and Camden County. To speak to a lawyer about your case, call 856-414-0010 or submit an online contact form today.