The trucking industry is a key link in our economy, connecting the manufacturer or supplier to consumers. Unfortunately, it has also been attributed to the highest number of fatalities among all occupation-related injuries. Truck-related accidents are especially fatal because of the enormous size and weight of a truck, compared to other vehicles. Crashes involving trucks are on the rise and trucking companies’ policies are not doing much to curb the problem.
The current truck driver shortage and poorly supervised drivers are significantly contributing to the occurrence of road accidents.
How is the Truck Driver Shortage Helping to Cause Auto Accidents?
For more than two decades now, the American Trucking Association (ATA) has been expressing concern over the all-time shortage of trucking drivers.
Some of the cited reasons for this shortage include the unattractive lifestyle condition of a truck driver that puts off potential drivers. A truck driver is likely to live on fast foods purchased from gas stations, with an annual salary that is less than the national median wage.
In addition, older drivers who have reached their retirement age are leaving the industry, leaving an unfilled gap. The current increase in online shopping has also created a large demand for logistics companies to employ more drivers.
But how are these causes contributing to more road accidents?
First, a shortage of drivers in an individual trucking company implies that there is more workload than can be handled by the current workforce. Employers might put pressure on the drivers to deliver fast, sometimes subliminally encouraging them to go a little over the legal speed. A speeding truck driver presents more risk than a normal car because a truck takes more time to stop than the latter.
In a bid to fill the shortage, trucking companies may be compelled to hire less qualified drivers. These drivers might have basic knowledge of driving trucks, but one that does not quite meet the required standards.
Operating a truck is obviously different from a normal car. Drivers need special skills in driving uphill/downhill, turning, and braking. Unqualified truck drivers present a high risk of causing a crash because they do not understand the unique requirements of a truck.
How Problems Supervising Truck Drivers is Causing Accidents?
With an increase in demand and workload, most trucking companies are less concerned about their workers than they are about making profits. When a driver is unsupervised, they are likely to drive for more hours than required. The outcome is roads with a multitude of fatigued and drowsy drivers operating heavy trucks.
Fatigue causes slow responses and a likelihood to drift off behind the wheel. This is dangerous for both the truck driver and other road users.
Unsupervised drivers are also more likely to operate trucks while intoxicated. A study conducted by the Oregon State Police shows that approximately 19% of truck drivers use marijuana and 14% use opiates while on the road. Drugs and other substances impair the mind, causing slow response and a distorted decision-making process.
A combination of these factors often helps cause auto accidents.
Protecting Yourself from Truck Accidents
Every driver on the road has a duty to drive carefully when presented with different circumstances. If you are on a highway with commercial trucks, remain overly cautious and on the defensive driving mode. Do not follow a truck too closely and if one is making a turn near you, give ample space.
Unfortunately, a careful driver can practice all of the above points and still get involved in a truck accident caused by the negligence of a truck driver. That’s why services such as those offered on hirschandlyonaccidentlaw.com are always worth being considered.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, consider contacting a truck accident lawyer to help you file a claim for compensation. 
