Truck Accident
The Role of the NTSB After a Truck Accident
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency. It is charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the U.S. and significant accidents in other modes of transportation, including fatal truck crashes. Among other things, NTSB, determines the probable cause of the accident and issues safety recommendation to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Why Truckers Fall Asleep at the Wheel
Truck Driver Safety
Unfortunately, truck accidents are relatively standard in Colorado. While the number of trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2020 decreased by 4% from 2019, it’s still 33% higher than in 2011. In addition, the number of deaths caused by large truck crashes increased by 31% from 2011 to 2020.
How Incorrect Downhill Truck Braking Could Hurt Coloradans
Truck accidents are a severe problem in Colorado. Hundreds of people are killed in truck accidents yearly, and many more are injured. Truck accidents often involve large trucks, such as 18-wheelers, and can be very dangerous. A common cause of truck accidents is faulty brakes or faulty use of brakes. When brakes are not functioning correctly or used properly, it can be difficult for a truck driver to stop the vehicle promptly, leading to severe accidents.
Dangerous and Common Trucking Industry Practices
Have you been in an accident with a truck driver in Colorado? Do you think some negligence from the truck driver or their company was involved? After an accident, you need qualified representation on your side. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. is here to help you during this difficult time.
How to Drive Safely Around Big Trucks
Trucks are massive, and they take a lot longer to stop than cars. That’s why drivers and passengers in regular vehicles, bicyclists, motorcycle riders and pedestrians are all vulnerable to the ravages of truck accidents. In a recent year, over 5000 people died in crashes involving trucks, and about 130,000 people are injured in these accidents annually.
New Rule Allows 18-Year-Olds to Drive Trucks Across State Lines
The trucking industry in America is dealing with a shortage of qualified drivers. Currently, a shortage of 80,000 truck drivers is adversely affecting the supply chain, as reported by Fortune. In response to this situation, the federal government has established the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program, which will allow 18-year-olds with a state issued CDL and a clean driving record to drive big rigs across state lines, under the supervision of an experienced commercial driver.
How Driver Inexperience Contributes to Truck Accidents
In recent years, the need for truck drivers has significantly increased. While good for the trucking industry, the increase has led to many less experienced truck drivers operating commercial trucks on the highways and streets in Colorado Springs and throughout the state.
There is no question that experience is a critical point in whether a driver can operate a commercial truck safely. Semi-trucks, tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, and big rigs – these vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. when fully loaded. They require a long distance to come to a complete stop, and any driver error can lead to a disaster, with innocent people sustaining serious or fatal injuries.
The Deadly Impact of Cargo Spills
We have all driven next to a truck with “Hazardous Material” stamped on its side and felt our whole bodies tense up. Tanker trucks that transport hazardous materials must be handled with great care, as a single mistake by the trucker can cause a devastating accident.
You might assume that these trucks only transport oil, biofuels, and gasoline, but “hazardous materials” can also include everyday products like paint and hairspray. Even with this seemingly harmless cargo, there is still the potential for a deadly cargo spill.
Garbage Trucks: More Dangerous Than You Think
A city needs garbage trucks in order to run properly. Without them, garbage would pile up, and there would be serious hygiene and health problems in Colorado. However, just because garbage trucks are necessary doesn’t mean they are safe. In fact, garbage trucks are incredibly dangerous to those near them.
The Dangers of a Truck’s Blind Spots
When you are merging or making a turn, you most likely glance over your shoulder to check your blind spot. A blind spot is the area near the back corner of a car that neither the side nor the rearview mirror can see. This area should always be checked when a driver is changing lanes, otherwise he or she could slam into another car.
What many drivers may not realize, however, is that the blind spots on a commercial truck are much larger — and far easier to get stuck in than your standard passenger vehicle. Anyone who gets behind a wheel should keep the blind spots of big rigs in mind. Otherwise, they may find themselves in a serious accident.