Many things cause truck accidents, and drivers are responsible for some. Below are several ways truck drivers can cause accidents.

Overworking

Truck driving is an exhausting job for several reasons. First, the drivers work long hours. Secondly, the drivers maintain the same posture for extended periods. Lastly, the drivers have other duties in addition to driving. Truck drivers also:

• Help to secure cargo
• Maintain a log of working hours
• Perform DIY truck maintenance
• Help load and unload the truck

All these mean truck drivers get exhausted and must rest adequately. Trucking regulations prescribe working and resting hours. A driver who doesn't get adequate rest might fall asleep behind the wheel, over-speed to meet targets, and rest or take dangerous shortcuts they wouldn't normally take. All those things increase the risk of truck accidents.

Driving While Distracted

Many people find truck driving monotonous. The risk of monotony is especially high for those who drive the same routes, work the same hours, and handle similar cargo daily.

After some time, a driver might become so accustomed to their work that they stop paying attention to the road. For example, a truck driver's mind might wander while driving on a straight road with light traffic. Such a driver might drift out of their lane and crash into other road users.

Neglecting Inspections and Maintenance

All automobiles require maintenance to ensure they are always roadworthy. However, the maintenance issue is especially sensitive for trucks due to the nature of their loads, weight, and size. For example, a truck with defectively inflated tires is likelier to suffer a tire burst than a small car. The increased risk is due to the truck's weight.

Truck drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. They must fix all the defects or risks they find before driving. However, a driver in a hurry might skip some checks, rush through the inspection, or neglect issues that require attention. Such negligence increases truck accident risks.

Driving Overloaded Trucks

Commercial trucks haul considerable cargo, but they have their load limits. A truck's size, tires, make, and model determine how much weight it can safely carry. Even government regulations determine load limits.

Truck drivers must confirm their cargo is within the safe limits before setting off. Otherwise, they might drive an overloaded truck and experience an increased risk of accidents. For example, an overloaded truck is more likely to experience tire damage, braking difficulties, and jackknifing accidents than trucks with safe loads.

Reach out to a truck accident lawyer near you to learn more.