Brian White | July 31, 2023 | Truck Accidents
Many states, including Texas, need truck drivers. Trucking is an important industry with a major shortage. Truck driving requires those entering the profession to be qualified. As more experienced drivers retire, the demand for more truckers continues to grow.
The shortage of qualified truck drivers is a problem for everyone on the road. Truckers work longer hours if there is no one else to work the shift. This can lead to truck drivers experiencing fatigue and stress due to being overworked, making Texas roads more dangerous for everyone, causing truck accidents.
How Bad is the Truck Driver Shortage?
There is a truck driver shortage of 80,000. Efforts are being made to correct this problem, including sign-on bonuses, incentive pay, and recognition awards. However, this may lead to unqualified and inexperienced drivers being hired.
Even with new drivers being offered incentives, the truck driver shortage continues.
It can be difficult for companies to hire qualified drivers. It can also be challenging to retain the drivers that are hired. Truck driving is a stressful job that often leads to an unpredictable life. Learn more about trucking company negligence here.
The Dangers of Overworked Truckers
Truck drivers are an essential part of our everyday lives. Even though the number of drivers is not growing, the number of deliveries continues to. The shortage of drivers can lead to delayed deliveries, drivers working longer shifts, or inexperienced drivers being hired.
If drivers are overworked, exhausted, and inexperienced, the consequences can be catastrophic. A fatigued driver has a greater risk of getting into an accident. If a truck driver is lacking in sleep, it will impact their ability to avoid a collision or be attentive to driving.
Efforts to Keep Texas Roads Safe
The trucking industry is regulated, and there is a limit on the number of hours that a truck driver is permitted to drive. There is an 11-hour maximum for property-carrying drivers who have taken 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Hours of service regulations can make truck driving a less appealing profession for prospective drivers. It can hinder a truck driver’s ability to spend more time at home. While driving limits are likely making the road safer, they may also deter some people from pursuing truck driving as a career.
Sharing the Road with Smaller Vehicles
Truck accidents can lead to severe injuries. It is important for motorists to be mindful of the difficulty of maneuvering a semi-truck. When a car is traveling on the highway and cuts off a truck, a trucker may not have enough time to stop before colliding with the car.
The difficulty of driving a large truck becomes an even bigger issue when considering the truck driver shortage. Many new drivers do not have the experience and skills required to navigate around smaller vehicles.
Truck Accidents: Common Causes and Injuries
Inexperienced or exhausted truck drivers can lead to injured motorists. The difference in size between cars and trucks puts passengers at a greater risk of a collision. Truck driver errors often cause accidents.
The following are common truck driver errors:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Aggressive driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Not checking blindspots
- Being inexperienced or unqualified
Truck accidents can cause major injuries or even fatalities. If you are involved in a truck crash, you should seek medical attention immediately.
The following are injuries that truck accident victims may sustain:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Soft tissue damage
- Crushing injuries
- Whiplash
- Amputations
- Internal bleeding
- Chest injuries
- Psychological trauma
If you are injured in a truck accident in Houston, TX, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Contact a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim
For more information, contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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