Increased Trucking Accidents During the Holidays
While the holidays are an excellent opportunity to get together with loved ones, it’s also dangerous to be on the roads. Every year, trucking accidents increase during the holiday season as more drivers take to the roadways. At Serious Injury Law Group, understanding the factors behind this increase can help protect yourself and your loved ones.
Why Are There More Accidents This Time of Year?
The increase in trucking crashes during the holiday season can be attributed to many factors, from increased demand for goods and services to more people being on the roads to visit family and friends.
Causes of These Accidents
With extra traffic on the roads during the holiday season, there is an increased risk of trucking wrecks. While many factors can contribute to these crashes, here are some of the most common causes:
- Driver Fatigue – The holidays are a busy time for truck drivers. They deliver goods and products while dealing with increased traffic. Fatigue from lack of rest can impair their ability to focus on the road and make safe decisions, increasing the chances of a collision. Driver fatigue is a leading cause of delivery truck accidents.
- Unfamiliar Roads – Truck drivers forced to travel unknown routes to make holiday deliveries are at an increased risk of getting lost, taking roads with height requirements their trucks don’t meet, or making a wrong turn.
- Speeding – Speeding to make deliveries can lead to loss of control in tight turns or when trying to stop suddenly, resulting in a collision.
- Distracted driving – When a driver’s eyes, hands, or focus is not on the task of driving, they put themselves and others in danger. Distractions include eating, drinking, reaching for something inside the cab, focusing on a billboard or a wreck beside the road, or changing the radio settings while driving.
- Weather Conditions – Heavy rain, snow, or other hazardous weather can make it difficult for truckers to maintain control of their vehicles.
How to Prevent a Truck Accident This Season
You can take simple precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones this holiday season. First, always be aware of truck drivers’ blind spots and give them enough room to maneuver. Be mindful of your speed, and give yourself extra time for stops and slowdowns. Finally, be alert for any unsafe driving behaviors from other motorists and keep as much space between yourself and those motorists as possible.
What to Do if You Are Injured in a Trucking Accident
If you were injured in a truck accident, seek medical attention. This can involve going to the emergency room or calling an ambulance. If possible, get the contact information of any witnesses and a police report. It would also be best if you also documented the incident with photos. Take notes of how the accident happened while your memory is fresh. Finally, contact an experienced Birmingham truck accident lawyer who can help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a case.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer for Help
If you are injured in a truck accident during the holiday season, and someone else is to blame, the experienced personal injury lawyers of Serious Injury Law Group can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault parties. Contact us today to discuss your case during a free consultation.