Indiana is currently going through a transformation as it’s becoming a critical hub for transportation of goods and other merchandise. The state is known for its landscape, and nature but in recent years it is slowly but surely becoming more urbanized. With the state becoming more crowded, the roads are busier than ever.
That gave rise to a new problem for the state of Indiana. With more computers and tourists visiting the state, there are now more safety risks for those involved in everyday transportation.
The number of road accidents has also risen in the last couple of years and we’re not just talking about car accidents. Car accidents do remain one of the most frequent types of accidents however there’s a new problem on the rise.
Today the trucking business has been witnessing a huge surge in the number of employees and it’s those employees that are in charge of transporting goods. The higher frequency of trucks and semi-trucks on the roads poses a new threat for drivers and pedestrians.
Semi-truck accidents are unfortunately becoming more prominent in Indiana and their consequences can be devastating. That’s why it’s important to understand these accidents in order to be able to avoid them. It’s necessary for ensuring safety on the road and ensuring that Indiana can continue its growth and expansion.
Why semi-truck accidents are a serious problem
Semi-truck accidents can be more serious than your usual car accident simply because the size and the weight of a semi-truck poses a much bigger threat than a car believe it or not but a fully loaded semi-truck can reach the weight of up to 80,000 pounds. On the other hand, the average passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds.
Hopefully, now you can actually compare and realize the significant difference between a semi-truck accident and a car accident.
Another aspect that makes semi-trucks in Indiana but also across the USA a safety hazard is the length of these vehicles that makes them more prone to rollovers. Not to mention all the large blind spots around a semi-truck that make it very difficult for drivers to see vehicles that are approaching. Naturally, all of this increases the risk of accidents.
Common causes of semi-truck accidents in Indiana
As said, in the next few lines we will list some of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents in Indiana. That way, if you’re a semi-truck driver it’ll now be easier for you to spot these mistakes and avoid them to ensure safety for everyone.
Failure to abide by Indiana regulations
Semi-truck drivers work really long hours which leads to driver fatigue. Unlike other jobs, the job of a truck driver doesn’t have a clear working schedule. That’s why it’s up to the tracking companies to ensure that they’re drivers can get the rest that they need.
Many states also have regulations and guidelines that are put in place with the aim of ensuring the truck drivers are well rested and not taking advantage of.
Indiana also has these regulations in place and they state that Drivers must take a 30 minute break after eight hours of driving time. Unfortunately most tracking companies have very strict deadlines and this causes truck drivers to overwork themselves.
In these cases, if you are a truck driver that has caused an accident, you still have the right to compensation as you were also the injured party.
Many semi-truck drivers are not even aware of the rules and regulations in Indiana, and they failed to seek help. Instead of doing everything by yourself, it’s advisable to find a semi-truck accident lawyer who is an expert in the area and have them explain everything to you.
Distracted driving
Another big problem not just for semi-truck drivers but for all drivers in general, is distracted driving. With the increased usage of cell phones, GPS devices and other multimedia, the driver’s attention is not always on the road and this can lead to detrimental consequences.
Given the size and weight of semi-trucks, even a second of not having your eyes on the road can result in an accident.
In Indiana, The long highways can increase the temptation to turn to other activities while driving. That’s why it’s also important that the state of Indiana does everything in its power to put up warnings and proper markings along the road to remind drivers of the consequences of looking away from the road.
Speeding
Speeding is a common cause of accidents among all types of vehicles but of course with semi-trucks the danger is double. semi-trucks need much longer distances to fully stop. The stopping distance is much higher and that’s what makes it very difficult to avoid a collision or react quickly if the traffic would for instance slow down or stop abruptly.
Again, this also has to do with the tight deadlines that semi-truck drivers have to deal with but it’s still important to remember that speeding can really result in catastrophic accidents and put other lives in danger.
The final word
Semi-truck accidents in Indiana are a growing concern and it’s important that the problem be taken seriously from the get go. Given the serious consequences of these accidents it’s really important for tracking companies, drivers and all other traffic participants to understand how to avoid becoming victims of these accidents.
By following all the safety regulations and also keeping your eyes on the road while following the speed limit, the frequency of these accidents can be significantly reduced.
Trucking companies also need to abide by all the rules and guidelines that exist in the state of Indiana and if they fail to do so they need to be met with legal response.
As a semi-truck driver, it’s also your responsibility to ensure the trucking companies follow through with their duty and provide their drivers with all they need for a safe driving experience.
