Some people think that driving commercial trucks is an easy job. Particularly for those who enjoy driving, the idea of doing so for a living may seem pleasant. However, driving semi-trucks is a very demanding career.
Commercial drivers often physically load and unload their trailers or at least attach and detach them when making deliveries. Additionally, even sitting can strain the body after many hours. Combine these things with the physical demands of being awake and in control of a large vehicle for hours with pressure from employers, and that is a recipe for bad decision-making.
How does employer pressure affect traffic safety?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) analysis of large vehicle crashes, a commercial driver making the wrong decision in traffic is the underlying cause of 38% of the collisions caused by commercial vehicles. Examples of improper decisions include maintaining an unsafe speed given road conditions, getting too close to other vehicles or deciding to conduct a maneuver when there is insufficient space.
Frequently, the pressure to get loads in on time forces drivers to sacrifice safety for speed. Commercial drivers may be more aggressive than they should be due to concerns about running out of time or arriving late. Drivers may make the wrong choices in traffic just to get to their destinations on time — especially when employers threaten consequences for late deliveries or offer incentive pay for on-time deliveries,.
When a truck driver’s mistakes lead to severe collisions, those injured may have grounds for an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Reviewing what caused a semi-truck collision with an experienced legal professional can help injured parties and grieving families demand accountability from unsafe drivers and their employers.