When you drive a big rig, you know that you carry a tremendous amount of responsibility for both your company, your safety, and the safety of others on the road. Despite this, the number of big rig accidents that involve a fatality is on the rise. Faced with this fact, you might be wondering what it is that is causing these accidents to occur.
As it turns out, these accidents happen for a number of reasons. Read on to find out what’s causing them!
1. Fatigued Driving
Driving a big rig can be one of the most exhausting jobs in the country. Between deadlines and your own personal mileage goals, you might find yourself feeling fatigued when you’re out on the road. Unfortunately, fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of big rig accidents.
The US government has taken steps to avoid these accidents by imposing strict regulations on how much you can drive and how much rest you need to take between trips. As a big rig driver, it’s your responsibility to make sure that you’re getting the proper amount of rest so you can stay awake and alert on the road.
2. Unsafe Weather Conditions
Unsafe weather creates majors weather hazards for all drivers on the road, but especially for big rig drivers. Hitting a patch of black ice or hydroplaning can result in a major collision.
It’s important for you to plan ahead to avoid poor weather conditions. Check the forecast along the route to your destination and see if you need to make any changes. Make sure you have the proper equipment to get you to your next stop safely.
3. Passenger Car Mistakes
Passenger cars cause huge issues for big rig drivers, especially when traffic is backed up. It’s important for you to be as alert as possible to respond to any issues they may cause. You should also maintain enough distance between you and the cars around you to stop safely if you need to.
4. Vehicle Maintenance Issues
You might think that neglecting maintenance on your big rig will just result in you needing a tow, but it can actually be one of the biggest mistakes you can make. You drive tens of thousands of miles in your rig every year, which means that you need to do everything you can to make sure that it’s in good working shape.
Have your rig inspected on a regular basis, especially to avoid more common issues like tire blowouts or engine problems. If you don’t own your rig, it’s up to your company to make sure your rig is taken care of.
Are You Worried About Big Rig Accidents?
There are many reasons why big rig accidents occur. The best things you can do to prevent them is to stay alert, check the weather conditions ahead of time so you’re prepared, and make sure your rig is always in good operating order. These three simple steps will help you keep on trucking!
Need help towing or recovering your big rig? Hollywood Towing is here to help you! Contact us today for all of your recovery needs!