When it comes to truck accident prevention and the safety of big rigs, there are a lot of “so called facts” that people throw around. Many of these facts just aren’t true. In an effort to dispel some of these myths, let’s take a look at some of the most common truck accident safety misconceptions that you might encounter.
Myth 1: Truck accident safety is better than ever.
Since approximately 1997, much effort has been made to reduce the number of semi-truck collisions that happen every year. The problem is, these efforts haven’t worked. Truck accident death rates are virtually the same as they were in the past.
Myth 2: Mandatory sleep schedules help truck drivers get the rest they need
Strict guidelines instituted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforce mandatory rest times and specialized schedules to prevent trucker fatigue. The problem is, trucking companies sometimes offer incentives for truckers who sleep less and get to their destinations faster. Also, some truckers simply do not rest enough — even when they have enough time.
Myth 2: Small vehicle drivers cause most truck crashes
Yes, some crashes are bound to be caused by the drivers of smaller vehicles. That said, the type of collision seems to dictate the chances of who was at fault. In crashes that involve a collision into the back of a semi-truck, 80 percent of the time, the small car driver was at fault. In backup-related crashes, it’s the semi-truck driver’s fault 98 percent of the time. At the end of the day, semi-truck drivers are responsible in about 50 percent of the collisions.
If you were involved in a serious truck accident, a truck accident attorney can help you learn if you can pursue a legal claim for damages.