Truck driving can be a satisfying career that provides good salary, employment security, and the freedom of the open road. However, there are a lot of cons in this profession as well. Extended trips, harsh weather and rough situations can endanger most truck drivers all the time. In the case of an accident, the damage created would be devastating for all those that are involved, making it essential to understand the risks drivers take every day.
Fatigue and Long Hours
Driver drowsiness, sleepiness, or in general fatigue is one of the biggest constraints in the trucking industry. Many drivers keep themselves on the road for the better part of the day just so they can make a delivery before the date on their schedule sheet. The FMCSA asks the drivers to follow proper regulations, working hours, in order to minimize fatigue levels but clients and dispatchers continuously abuse this limit. Fatigue causes poor decision-making and shorter reaction times, which raises the possibility of accidents.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Rain and snowstorms are two of the many weather conditions that truck drivers endure. In such cases, high visibility and slippery roads would make it difficult to manage a large truck. Moreover, routes that include steep hills and lots of curves and poorly built highways pose great trouble. In such situations, quick responses and carefulness are key to avoid any kind of accident that may occur in an instant.
Health Issues and Physical Strain
Being in the driver’s seat for a prolonged period and being static may in the long run interfere with someone’s health, with issues like obesity, high blood pressure, and back problems. Unregulated sleep patterns and the focus on fast food are also contributing factors to these health issues. Even the absence or low levels of physical fitness or mental exhaustion will affect a driver’s capabilities, not only putting their lives at risk, but other road users as well.
Mechanical Failures and Vehicle Maintenance
Accidents as a result of mechanical failures are also inevitable and no amount of expertise from a truck driver can help avoid them. Malfunctions on brakes, tires burst, and engine troubles are common in trucks, and if they are not rectified with timely maintenance, may cause accidents on the road.
The Risk of Accidents
Driving is a skill that can be mastered through practice and awareness to eliminate as many risks as possible, however, risk will always be part of the job. Given the size and weight of trucks, the collisions are usually catastrophic and result in terrible catastrophic injuries or death. Therefore, one has to appreciate the drivers and the problems that they encounter every day in order to drive without causing injury to any party.
Drivers who are engaged in collisions may suffer permanent injuries, financial loss, or legal challenges. A truck accident lawyer in Austin, Texas, who specializes in managing complicated trucking accident cases, is one of the professionals that victims of these occurrences frequently turn to for legal assistance. These attorneys guide both drivers and victims through the insurance claims, liability, and reimbursement procedures.
