How Dangerous Is Truck Driving?

Commercial truck drivers play an important role in hauling goods across the country. However, many consider truck driving one of the most dangerous occupations compared to other professions. With long hours on the road, heavy vehicles, and tight deadlines, truck drivers often face unique hazards that put their safety and the safety of others at risk. 

While trucking businesses take steps to minimize the risks, truck drivers must understand how dangerous truck driving is. If you’re considering a career in truck driving or want to explore the legal risks and dangers of the profession, we’ll cover some of the pressing questions below:

• Is truck driving dangerous?

• What are some of the common causes of truck driving accidents?

• What are the consequences of truck driving accidents?

Here is what drivers should know and how an experienced truck accident lawyer can assist you.

Is Truck Driving a Dangerous Job?

Many individuals considering truck driving careers or those already in the field often ask the question: Is being a truck driver dangerous?

While all jobs have some level of danger, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) considers truck driving one of the most dangerous civilian occupations in the U.S. A BLS 2022 report of civilian occupations with high fatal work injury rates showed that truck drivers accounted for the highest number of fatal work injuries at 1,115 casualties. 

Truck drivers are consistently exposed to dangerous conditions such as fatigue, poor weather, and hazardous roadways, increasing their risk of being involved in an accident. These accidents often result in severe injuries and deaths, making truck driving a high-risk occupation.

Common Causes of Truck Driving Accidents

Every year, many trucking accidents happen for various reasons. A BLS fact sheet released in 2020 found that transportation incidents and contact with objects and equipment were the two leading events resulting in fatal occupational injuries to truck drivers in 2018. Other common causes can include: 

Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck driving accidents. Truckers often drive long hours with limited breaks due to strict delivery schedules. Even though federal regulations limit the hours a driver can be on the road, many drivers and companies disregard these rules. Fatigue impairs reaction time and judgment, increasing the likelihood of a serious accident.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving isn't just limited to car drivers. Truck drivers may also text, eat, or use GPS devices while driving. Given the size of trucks and the various blind spots a driver can have, distracted driving can lead to fatal consequences.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

Overloading a truck or hauling cargo that is improperly loaded or secured can cause significant  issues during transit. This can lead to a weight imbalance that can cause the truck to roll over, especially during turns or sudden stops.

Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, ice, and fog are dangerous for any driver as they can reduce visibility and make roads slippery. Drivers who do not adjust their speed accordingly may increase the likelihood of accidents.

Substance Abuse

Some truckers may turn to stimulants to stay awake during long shifts, while others may consume alcohol or drugs to cope with the stress of the job. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can significantly reduce a driver's ability to operate their vehicle safely.

Vehicle Issues

Trucks require regular maintenance, especially when used consistently for long-haul trips. Faulty brakes or steering system malfunctions are common mechanical issues that can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.

Inadequate Driver Training

Truck driving requires high skill and knowledge, especially regarding vehicle operation, defensive driving, and safety protocols. Inadequately trained drivers are more prone to accidents.

Blind Spots

Commercial trucks have large "no-zones" where other vehicles may not be visible to the truck driver. Failing to check these areas when changing lanes or making turns can result in collisions and other automobile accidents. 

Is Truck Driving Dangerous for Drivers and Other Pedestrians?

While truck driving is dangerous for the drivers themselves, it is even more hazardous for other road users and pedestrians. Due to their sheer size and weight, trucks can cause catastrophic damage in a collision. 

Smaller passenger vehicles are often no match for the force of a truck accident, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists are especially vulnerable to such collisions, as they lack the protection offered by vehicles. Further, debris from truck accidents can create additional hazards for other drivers, causing secondary crashes.

Signs a Trucking Company May Be Negligent 

Aside from asking yourself, “Is being a truck driver dangerous?” you may also have to consider the trucking company you work for. While many trucking companies take steps to protect their employees and minimize the hazards on the road, some companies may cut corners when it comes to safety. Some signs that a trucking company may be negligent include:

No Background Checks

Trucking companies that skip thorough background checks for their drivers risk employing individuals with histories of reckless driving, DUI offenses, or other dangerous behaviors. This puts everyone on the road at risk.

Poor Truck Driver Training

A company that does not invest in proper training for its drivers could have drivers who are unequipped to handle trucks safely on the road. Inadequately trained drivers may lack the knowledge to handle large commercial vehicles in complex or dangerous situations.

No Enforced Safety Policies

Companies that fail to implement and enforce stringent safety policies create an environment where drivers may feel encouraged to cut corners, disregard safety procedures, and engage in dangerous behaviors like speeding or ignoring rest requirements.

Encourages Drivers to Cut Corners

If a company pressures drivers to meet impossible deadlines or deliver goods at all costs, this can lead to speeding, skipping rest breaks, or avoiding routine vehicle inspections. These can increase the likelihood of accidents.

Consequences of Truck Driving Accidents

Understanding how dangerous truck driving is can help truck drivers understand the responsibilities they and their company have while on the road. Whether incidents occur due to a driver’s fault, the company’s negligence, or factors out of their control, these are some consequences that can occur due to truck driving accidents: 

Lifelong Injuries or Wrongful Death

Due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles, accidents often result in severe injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or even death. Victims who survive truck driving accidents may sustain lifelong conditions that require medical care. In worst cases, they may not survive their injuries, resulting in wrongful deaths. 

Property Damage

Truck accidents can cause massive damage to other vehicles, infrastructure, and personal property. Repairing or replacing damaged property can be costly, and the financial burden often falls on the victims.

Financial Consequences

Victims may face lost wages due to an inability to work, as well as long-term rehabilitation costs. In cases where victims pass, their families may face substantial loss of income. These financial strains can be overwhelming without proper legal representation to pursue compensation.

Emotional Distress

The trauma of being involved in a truck accident can lead to emotional and psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. This can affect the victim and their family’s quality of life after the incident.

Trucking Accident? Talk To an Experienced Attorney in South Carolina 

How dangerous is truck driving? While there are various risks for drivers and everyone else on the road, understanding common accidents and their consequences can help raise awareness and potentially prevent future incidents. 

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, seeking legal help from a skilled truck accident lawyer can help you know your rights and seek fair compensation. Reach out to Littlejohn Law to discuss your case.