Dallas, Tx, 01/26/2016 /SubmitPressRelease123/
Statistics show that in the last few years, there has been a marked increase in the number of truck accident injuries and fatalities that occur annually. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there was an 18 percent rise in the number of people who were injured in wrecks involving large trucks in 2012 from the previous year. The number of truck accident deaths also rose.
Source: NHTSA “Traffic Safety Facts 2012 Data”
In 2012, there were 3,921 people killed and 104,000 people injured in crashes
involving large trucks (gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds)
(Table 1). In the United States, 333,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes
during 2012…Fatalities in crashes involving large trucks showed a 4-percent increase from 3,781 in 2011 to 3,921 in 2012.
To read more visit http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811868.pdf.
The largest percentages of those killed and injured in these accidents were occupants of passenger vehicles. According to Texas truck accident attorney Amy Witherite of Eberstein Witherite LLP, it is important that truck drivers recognize that they have a responsibility to adhere to certain safe driving standards, and there are steps they can take to help ensure the safety of others as well as their own. Says the truck wreck lawyer, “when it comes to sharing the road with 18-wheelers, some drivers already feel intimidated by these large scale vehicles. When truck drivers make decisions that have the potential to exacerbate an already risky situation like tailgating smaller cars it can be especially frightening for those in passenger cars.”
The lawyer says there are five key things commercial truck drivers should take into consideration when on the road. These are:
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Distracted driving limits response time in the event of an emergency – Says Witherite “it is illegal for a driver of an 18-wheeler to use their cell phone while driving, and distractions like playing with their radio, or doing something else that takes their focus off of the road it makes them unprepared to avoid a potential disaster in the event of an emergency. Truckers should make sure they are driving at a safe distance to stop or move out of the way if a risky situation presents itself, and obey the law.”
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Big rig drivers can rid themselves of blind spots – Witherite asserts that for so long commercial trucks have alleged that they have large blind spots, and it is not safe for them to ride along the side of smaller vehicles too closely. However, there are mirrors truckers can easily purchase to rid themselves of potential blind spot hazards.
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Last minute turns made by 18-wheelers can lead to disaster – Making last minute turning decisions or attempting to cross in front of a passenger vehicle without sufficient warning makes it difficult for drivers of passenger vehicles to move out of harm’s way.
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Truck drivers must obey certain speed limits – Large truck speed limits may differ from passenger vehicle speed limits posted under certain circumstances. Truck drivers should follow the rules and not drive faster than what is posted for any reason.
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Truck drivers should be extra cautious in construction zones – According to Witherite construction zones are one example of areas where speed limit differences typically exist for trucks and passenger vehicles. Says the Texas lawyer “a truck driver may be required to restrict his or her speed as well as only drive in a specified lane in construction areas.” Truck drivers should remain cognizant of the potential dangers that accompany going beyond legal limits and drive defensively.
Witherite also says that in many truck accident cases where occupants of passenger vehicles sustain the most serious injuries, the truck driver was at fault. In these instances she stresses the importance of getting prompt legal advice for recovering any damages that victims may be entitled to from those responsible.
Media Contact:
Texas truck accident attorney Amy Witherite
Phone: 866-774-5410
http://www.1800truckwreck.com/
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