The trucking industry brought in $610 billion in 2008, and is expected to almost double by 2016. In order the growing industry to keep up with demands, it means more trucks on the road, and perhaps more importantly, more truck drivers being hired. In today's economy, trucking is an option for many people who have been laid off from other professions. However, this often means there are more and more inexperienced truck drivers handling these massive vehicles, who sometimes may not receive the proper training or appreciate the risks of and care required when driving a semi truck. If you are involved in a trucking accident due to driver negligence, call a Newnan truck accident attorney to discuss your case.
To prevent trucking accidents and ensure the safety of other drivers, truck drivers must be disciplined in following the rules of the road and of the trucking company. While driving, truck drivers should:
- Maintain a safe distance from other smaller vehicles,
- Obey all speed limits, including special truck speed limits,
- Especially slow down in construction zones or during lane closures
- Be patient when changing lanes and aware of all possible blind spots
- Be aware of zones where large trucks are prohibited
- Always drive defensively.
In addition to following these basic traffic rules, truck drivers should be even more cautious to avoid distracted driving. Since they are on the road for hours or days at a time, it can be tempting to use a cell phone, read, or try to watch a portable television while driving. However, these distractions can all be deadly for drivers around them. Furthermore, because of the long days on the road, drivers should make sure they get the required amount of rest from driving and sleep per night. Fatigued drivers can have slower reflexes, and even worse, if a driver falls asleep at the wheel of a massive semi truck, the results can be catastrophic. Most of all, truck drivers should never, under any circumstances, drive while under the influence of any alcohol or drugs.
If you are injured in a trucking accident because a driver failed to follow these basic and expected safety precautions, call Shane Smith Law today at (980) 246-2656 for a free consultation. As an experienced Newnan truck accident lawyer, Shane Smith can help you hold the truck driver responsible for his negligence.