Top 5 reasons we’re seeing an increase in truck accidents
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our daily lives have changed dramatically, including our interactions with others, how we work and how we shop. Believe it or not, the pandemic has had some impact on road safety and may be contributing to an increase in large commercial and delivery truck accidents.
Here are five reasons why this may have led to an increase in truck accidents.
1. Drivers are untrained or have poor driving habits
Large online retail companies, such as Amazon, need to hire more drivers in order to keep up with the increased demand. This could lead to companies hiring anyone they can get, including drivers who lack experience and/or a proper Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Operating a large commercial truck or delivery truck requires skill. Drivers who don’t know what they’re doing are at a greater risk of causing crashes than those who do.
2. Drivers are overworked
Delivery drivers could be making about 200 stops and delivering up to 300 packages per day. When drivers are in a hurry or overworked, they may be more likely to bypass traffic rules or make careless mistakes behind the wheel.
Not only can this lead to crashes with other vehicles, but it can also lead to drivers hitting pedestrians or bicyclists when making deliveries in residential neighborhoods.
3. Shortage of company trucks and overloaded cargo
Online retail companies, such as Amazon, may not have enough company trucks to keep up with the increased demand. As a result, some employees may use personal vehicles, budget box trucks, or U-Haul vans to make deliveries.
Many of these vehicles could lack proper maintenance and may not be safe to operate. All it takes is a loose wheel, tire blowout or brake failure to cause a serious catastrophe.
4. Increased demand due to next-day deliveries
Not only are deliveries surging, but there is also an increased demand for next-day deliveries. This places a constant need for speed and efficiency on drivers to make deliveries within a short amount of time.
This can lead to fatigue, increased stress, speeding, aggressive driving and ignoring the safety of others on the road.
5. Increase in distracted driving
Delivery drivers who are in a hurry may try to multitask while driving. Moreover, the anxiety related to COVID-19 may give some drivers the urge to check their cellphones and notifications, which can potentially lead to a distracted driving crash.
What should I do if I was injured in an accident with a delivery driver?
If you were injured in a crash with a delivery truck driver, get an experienced Texas truck accident attorney on your side who can investigate the crash scene, the driver’s behavior and gross negligence on part of the trucking company.
Smith & Hassler Attorneys At Law has been helping truck crash victims in the greater Houston area obtain compensation since 1989. Contact us to find out how we can help you. Our case evaluations are free and confidential.