Information on truck accidents
Driving on any major highway can be intimidating for even the most experienced driver. There is a lot to consider when going a certain speed, and sharing the road with transport trucks doesn’t make it any easier. In fact, if you’ve ever felt a bit uneasy about driving next to one, that feeling makes sense because 1 in 5 fatal crashes involve a truck. So let’s delve deeper into what this means for drivers in Ontario.
Caution is key to avoiding truck accidents
There are 3 main ways to help keep you a bit safer when sharing the road with truck drivers.
- Stay alert
- Drive carefully
- Avoid blind spots
Keeping your attention fully on your surroundings is nothing new. We learn this when going for our driving tests but it’s especially important regarding truck drivers. Staying alert and driving carefully by keeping your distance can help you navigate the road with less stress. Lastly, you’ll want to avoid being in the blind spot of another driver. This tip is actually good practice for sharing the road in general as it allows other drivers to see you well before they change lanes or negotiate turns.
Common causes for truck accidents
Driving a truck isn’t like driving a normal vehicle. They are much larger, and require special training in order to make even simple maneuvers. While most companies go above and beyond in terms of making sure their drivers are ready for the road, human error can’t ever be 100% avoided. Here are 2 common examples.
- Inattentive driving
You may have seen people attempting to put on their makeup or eating while driving their vehicle, but truck drivers can also get distracted. This makes sense since these drivers usually commit to long routes and don’t have someone in the vehicle with them to help their minds from wandering. While truckers may not be snacking behind the wheel, even a moment or two of distraction could be fatal.
- Fatigue
The government actually set a limit of how many hours a truck driver can log before they must take a break. This was designed to combat fatigue behind the wheel, but some drivers have found a way to skirt the rules. Whether they adjust their log books of hours they’ve driven or ignore their recommended rest time, fatigue can definitely impact reaction time leading to more truck accidents.
Truck accidents are serious, so know your rights
The process after any accident can be difficult. Emotions run high as you deal with the shock of the situation. Plus, if there are any injuries as a result of the accident, you might be forced to consider medical help, followed by potential rehabilitation. With so much in front of you, it’s important to remember to keep calm. Truck accidents are very similar to any other accident involving motor vehicles, with one major difference. This specific accident creates an opportunity to file a claim against the driver as well as the company who employed them. Naturally, this can be quite complex, and you will need to secure legal assistance.
MG Law is a team with years of experience and we are able to communicate with clients in a number of languages. After all, we want you to know your options and make informed decisions. Call (613) 730-8640 to learn more. We would be more than happy to be your support system to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
