Interstate Dangers: Unraveling the Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents on American Highways

Every day, big trucks use the road networks that are distributed across states and cities in the USA.

Such trucks are known as 18-wheelers, and they move a lot of valuable things, such as food and clothes, from one place to another.

However, there are times when bad things occur. Such big trucks may cause collisions, which sometimes lead to fatal consequences. They can cause damage and make things difficult for people.

Sometimes, this is due to the fact that people make mistakes. Very often, it is caused by the wrong parts of the car and sometimes by the poor condition of the old part.

Weather is another element that can endanger lives, like when it rains or snows. The roadway itself, without proper condition, can be an issue, too.

By knowing what caused these accidents, we can improve the situation and make the roads safer for everybody who drives on them.

Moreover, don’t forget to take the help of a reputable 18-wheeler accident lawyer if you want to get maximum compensation for the damages.

Now, let’s delve into why 18-wheeler collisions take place and how we can improve the situation.

Role of Interstate Highways

This massive system of roads covers the country, and the vehicle movement of goods, people, and services all occurs on a scale that is hard to imagine.

Recognizing their importance is a key factor when considering reasons for 18-wheeler crashes.

The Backbone of Transportation:

Interstate highways make up the essential trunk of the country’s transport network, with the roads running from major cities, rural areas, ports, and border crossings to each other.

In this way, they act as crucial links between areas and thereby allow goods to be moved efficiently.

Efficiency and Speed:

The feature that distinguishes interstate highways from the rest is the fact that they are built for driving at high speeds.

These roads have multiple lanes, restricted access points, and controlled entrance and exit points, thus enabling vehicles to hit the maximum speed.

Trucking Industry Backbone:

The interstate highway system is especially necessary for the trucking business, which is too dependent on these routes to move commodities across the country.

Large-scale commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers, are mostly seen on these highways, carrying the commodities that people need to keep life running, e.g., fuel, food, and manufactured goods.

Human Factors Responsible for Interstate Truck Accidents

Driver Error:

The mistakes committed by truck drivers constitute one of the major human factors that cause truck accidents.

There is a very broad spectrum of drivers’ conduct and driving styles that may vary from distracted driving, speeding, dangerous maneuvers, and disregard for traffic rules.

The possibility of a driver being fatigued, inattentive, or impaired due to alcohol or drugs is another major cause of accidents in the trucking industry.

Fatigue and Hours of Service:

Fatigue is a common phenomenon for truck drivers, as it is a factor of concern in light of their often exhausting work conditions and hectic schedules.

The Hours of Service regulation frameworks created by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) contribute to the prevention of driver fatigue-related risks by limiting the number of consecutive hours of truck driving.

Training and Experience:

The qualifications and experience of truck drivers can play a role in their ability to adequately run their vehicles. Drivers who lack experience or lack proper training may lack the skills and knowledge required to drive in harsh conditions.

Crashes as a Result of Insufficient Infrastructure

Poor Road Conditions:

Roads with poor surfaces, potholes, uneven pavements, and rough textures might make driving on highways hard and dangerous to truck drivers.

Besides the fact that these road flaws increase the possibility of vehicle damage, they also affect vehicle stability and control, especially for the big trucks carrying heavy freight.

Lack of Shoulder Space:

Inadequate shoulder space on highways might be the reason why some truck drivers do not have another place to stop in case of natural disasters or vehicle failure.

If there is not enough space available to get off the roadway in case of malfunction, the disabled trucks can block the roadway and cause the other vehicles to be involved in rear-end collisions or collisions at the sides.

Inadequate Signage and Markings:

Both effective and visible signage, such as warning signs, speed limits, lane markings, and exit indicators, are crucial when it comes to managing traffic flow and guiding drivers on the highways.