Holiday Season Brings Increased Truck Accidents

Right after Thanksgiving, the mad rush of the holiday season begins with shoppers searching for the best gift for their loved ones. Shoppers who cannot find the time to head to the local shopping mall or want to avoid crowds embrace online shopping for its convenience. Due to the online shopping craze, the population of delivery vehicles traveling the road had a 10 percent increase in truck accidents.

Several factors contribute to the higher incidence of truck accidents prior to the holidays, including:

• Drowsy Driving: Truck drivers need to increase the pace and volume of deliveries they need to make. Longer hours, less time for breaks, and drivers who work overtime for the extra income and to satisfy demanding employers may cause serious crashes, especially if a driver falls asleep behind the wheel.
• Seasonal Drivers: Trucking companies hire temporary drivers to fulfill the increased amount of deliveries during the holidays. A driver may be skilled but lack the experience and knowledge needed to safely travel unfamiliar delivery routes.
• Winter Weather: Winter may officially start on December 21, but the hazardous weather conditions begin before fall ends. A drop in the temperature may be all it takes for freezing rain, sleet, and snow to create slick, slippery roads and for serious wrecks to occur.

Fatal FedEx Truck Accident

Tragic truck accidents occur during the holidays that may leave victims with debilitating injuries or even fatalities. Attorney Richard DiTomaso of DiTomaso Law is currently handling a devastating case involving a Federal Express delivery truck and another motorist who became fatally injured. On December 7, 2016, around 3:00 a.m., the victim exited a tractor trailer after parking it on the shoulder of the New Jersey Turnpike to examine a problem with the vehicle. At that point, a FedEx truck proceeded to hit the trailer, and then fatally struck the other motorist. Allegedly, the negligent driver left the scene of the accident. The driver who possessed about six months experience at the company failed to obtain proper rest before his 12-hour shift and was not allowed two rest breaks that he requested from his employer.

Safe Holiday Driving Tips

Tragedies such as the aforementioned accident may be prevented if drivers use safe holiday driving tips, including the following:

• Drive Slowly: Simply driving slowly around large trucks and other vehicles will reduce the chances of engaging in a fatal crash, especially if ice or snow covers the roads.
• Stay Away: Avoiding large trucks and giving them berth to safely maneuver their vehicles will keep drivers out of harm’s way. Never tailgate trucks and avoid driving right next to them if possible.
• Mind Truck’s Blind Spots: Trucks have multiple blind spots where drivers cannot detect the presence of another vehicle, which may lead to a crash.

South Jersey Truck Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Speak for Truck Accident Victims

If you or a loved one became injured due to a negligent truck driver, the South Jersey truck accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law will speak out on your behalf. From our offices in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients from the surrounding areas, including Cherry Hill, Mt. Holly, and Camden County. Call us today at 856-414-0010 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.