Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in South Carolina

Commercial truck accidents are a pressing concern on South Carolina’s roadways, as these large vehicles carry immense loads, making even minor mishaps potentially catastrophic. Understanding the common causes of commercial truck accidents in South Carolina can provide insight into preventive measures and ways to increase road safety for all drivers.

Each year, numerous accidents involving commercial trucks occur across the state, often leading to severe injuries and fatalities. So, what are the primary factors contributing to these accidents?

Driver Fatigue and Exhaustion

One of the primary contributors to commercial truck accidents is driver fatigue. Due to tight delivery schedules, long working hours, and demands for quick turnarounds, truck drivers often experience sleep deprivation and exhaustion. Despite federal regulations limiting hours of service, drivers sometimes push beyond safe limits to meet deadlines, especially when incentives are tied to delivery speed.

Fatigue reduces reaction time and impairs judgment, often with serious consequences. A tired driver may fail to brake in time, maintain lane position, or remain alert, leading to collisions with other vehicles.

Distracted Driving

Distractions behind the wheel are another leading cause of truck accidents. Commercial drivers frequently rely on electronic devices for directions, communication with dispatch, or job-related tasks, which can divert their attention from the road.

Additionally, distractions like eating, using a smartphone, or adjusting the truck’s settings can divert the driver’s focus away from the road, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Even a brief moment of distraction can have catastrophic results.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding is a common issue in commercial trucking, as drivers sometimes rush to complete deliveries on time. Trucks traveling at high speeds are harder to control, take longer to stop, and are more susceptible to rolling over or jackknifing, especially on curves or slippery surfaces.

In addition, reckless behaviors like improper lane changes, following other vehicles too closely, and ignoring traffic signals can lead to serious accidents. Given the weight and size of commercial trucks, any form of reckless driving amplifies the risk of a crash, endangering both the truck driver and other motorists.

Improper Loading and Cargo Shifts

Improperly loaded cargo is a significant risk factor in commercial truck accidents. Each truck has specific weight limits and guidelines for cargo distribution that must be followed to maintain balance and stability on the road. When cargo is not correctly secured, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced.

This imbalance may lead to rollover accidents, especially on sharp turns or abrupt stops. Overloaded trucks are also more challenging to control, as the added weight affects braking distance, tire pressure, and handling.

Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

Trucks are complex machines that require regular maintenance in order to remain roadworthy. Mechanical failures like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and engine issues are common causes of accidents when maintenance is neglected.

Commercial vehicles undergo substantial wear and tear, and failure to perform timely repairs or maintenance checks puts both the driver and other road users at risk. Brake failures, in particular, are dangerous for heavy trucks, as these vehicles need functioning brakes to stop safely due to their size and weight.

Inclement Weather and Poor Road Conditions

The state experiences a range of weather conditions, including heavy rain, fog, and occasional icy roads. These conditions can create hazardous driving environments, particularly for large trucks that are less maneuverable and require longer stopping distances.

Poor visibility and slippery surfaces increase the risk of accidents, as trucks may skid, hydroplane, or lose traction. Additionally, poorly maintained roads with potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces pose additional challenges, as they can destabilize a truck and contribute to loss of control, especially when combined with adverse weather.

Alcohol and Substance Use

While alcohol and drug use are generally less common in commercial trucking than in other fields, any impairment behind the wheel of a large truck is exceptionally hazardous. Some drivers may turn to stimulants to stay awake during long hours on the road, while others might occasionally drink during breaks.

Substance impairment slows reaction times, affects decision-making, and reduces the ability to operate a vehicle safely. For commercial truck drivers, even a slight impairment can result in tragic accidents, especially given the potential damage these vehicles can cause in a collision.

Failure to Account for Blind Spots

Large commercial trucks have extensive blind spots, particularly along the sides and rear of the trailer. These “no-zones” make it challenging for drivers to see smaller vehicles, which is why awareness and careful lane changes are crucial.

When a truck driver does not properly check blind spots before merging, changing lanes, or turning, it can lead to sideswipe collisions and other accidents involving nearby cars. Many accidents occur simply because drivers of both cars and trucks fail to recognize or account for these substantial blind spots.

FAQs

What Are the Three Most Common Types of Collisions Involving Heavy Trucks?

The three most common types of collisions involving heavy trucks are rear-end crashes, side-impact collisions (often caused by blind spots), and rollover accidents, especially on curves or slippery surfaces. When driving, whether in a truck or a car, exercise caution, stay alert, and assume other vehicles can’t see you.

What Is the Most Accident-Prone Truck?

Among commercial trucks, tractor-trailers are generally more accident-prone due to their size, weight, and handling limitations. These types of trucks are involved in more serious accidents than smaller commercial vehicles, like delivery trucks. Accidents involving tractor-trailers can cause severe injuries and can have a catastrophic financial impact.

What Causes the Most Crashes Involving Large Trucks?

Most crashes involving large trucks are caused by driver-related factors, for example fatigue, distraction, or speeding. Mechanical issues, like brake failure and poor road conditions, can also play significant roles. However, it is more likely that human error is at the heart of most large truck accidents, especially when you consider a truck’s “no zones” and the vigilance required to safely change lanes.

Which Trucking Companies Have the Most Accidents?

Accident rates can vary by trucking company, depending on their fleet size, maintenance practices, and hiring standards. Some larger companies naturally report more accidents due to the volume of trucks on the road, while smaller companies, especially those with poor safety practices, may also have higher accident rates per vehicle.

Commercial truck accidents in the state are caused by a number of factors, many of which can be prevented with proper safety practices, responsible driving, and adherence to regulations.

Awareness of common causes like driver fatigue, mechanical failures, and the effects of inclement weather can help reduce the frequency of these incidents, but that doesn’t help the victims of these accidents. Serious injury, long-term care, and permanent disabilities are just the tip of the iceberg.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck crash, Axelrod & Associates, P.A., can help. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the legalities involved, offer insight into your rights, and explore all available avenues to pursue compensation.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.