Truck accidents can cause serious injuries, damage, and even death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) CRSS and fatality analysis, trucks accounted for over 6% of all fatal vehicle accidents in the U.S., even though they only make up 4% of all registered vehicles.
Many of these accidents occur because truck drivers break the rules of the road. Understanding these rule-breaking actions can help you stay safe on the road and know what to do if you’re involved in an accident.
If you’re ever involved in an accident caused by a truck, it’s important to talk to a truck accident lawyer to understand your rights and options.
Why Do Truck Drivers Break the Rules?
There are several reasons why truck drivers may break traffic rules. Often, truck drivers break these rules due to the immense pressure they face to meet tight deadlines and delivery schedules.
Many are expected to cover long distances in a short amount of time, which leads them to speed, skip rest breaks, or even violate Hours of Service regulations. Some trucking companies may encourage or even reward risky behavior, which causes drivers to take more chances on the road than they should.
Additionally, some drivers may lack proper training or disregard safety regulations, believing they can handle the vehicle under any circumstances, increasing the likelihood of accidents. This creates an environment where accidents are more likely, not just because of the individual actions of drivers, but due to the work conditions and unrealistic expectations placed upon them.
Speeding
One of the most dangerous rule-breaking actions by truck drivers is speeding. Large trucks require more time and space to slow down or stop, and when drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less control, making it difficult to avoid accidents.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Driving under the influence is illegal for all drivers, but for truck drivers, it’s especially hazardous. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slow reaction times, and reduce coordination, making it much harder to operate such a large vehicle safely.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a common rule violation among truck drivers. This includes texting, eating, or using electronic devices while driving. Even a brief moment of distraction can result in a serious crash because trucks take longer to stop or avoid obstacles.
Violating Hours of Service Regulations
Truck drivers are bound by Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which limit the number of hours they can drive without taking a break. When these rules are ignored, drivers become fatigued, which impairs their ability to focus and react quickly to road conditions.
Overloading the Truck
Overloading is another dangerous rule-breaking action. Trucks have weight limits for a reason—too much weight makes it harder to brake, increases the risk of tire blowouts, and can cause the truck to tip over, especially on sharp turns or during sudden stops.
Failure to Maintain the Truck
Truck drivers and companies are responsible for keeping their vehicles in good working order. When they neglect regular maintenance—such as checking brakes, tires, or lights—the risk of mechanical failure on the road increases, which can lead to accidents.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Some truck drivers run red lights or stop signs, which puts other drivers and pedestrians at risk. Trucks need more time to stop due to their size and weight, so running a red light increases the likelihood of high-speed collisions at intersections.
Tailgating
Tailgating is when a truck follows another vehicle too closely. Trucks need a lot of space to come to a full stop, and when a driver is tailgating, they may not have enough time to react if the vehicle ahead suddenly stops, leading to rear-end collisions.
