Every car has a blind spot somewhere on the road. It is where you cannot see oncoming or passing vehicles, no matter which way you tilt your head. You will likely get into an accident if another car is parked in your blind zone because you cannot see it.
Trucks fall within the same category. One major distinction is that trucks have several enormous blind areas. It can be very difficult to avoid a truck’s blind spot, depending on the size and design of the vehicle.
Although truck drivers receive more training than the average motorist to prevent accidents, blind spots remain a major contributing factor.
Legislators in Texas are making moves to protect motorists. In 2021, the state of Texas approved a law mandating the use of forward-facing cameras in all commercial trucks. Using cameras in vehicles could help law enforcement identify bad behavior and reduce mortality from truck accidents in Texas by 2023.
The best way to avoid a collision with a semi-truck is for other drivers to: –
- Pass commercial vehicles at plenty of distance and stay alert.
- Try switching lanes to give your car more room to maneuver around trucks and buses.
- Be cautious and alert while driving.
- Keep your speed in check and avoid driving aggressively, especially around larger vehicles.
- Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol are not safe drivers.
Passenger car drivers can help make roads safer and minimize motor vehicle accident fatalities in 2023 if they follow these guidelines.
Texan Highways Semi-Truck Crashes
As reported by TxDOT, there were an estimated 5,620 semi-truck accidents in Texas in 2022. There were 6,710 accidents involving motor vehicles on Texas roads and highways. Nearly double the national average, 1,228 people lost their lives due to the 928 fatal accidents. It is estimated that 4,804 persons were hurt in accidents involving semi-trucks in Texas.
The Causes of Semi-Truck and Motor Vehicle Crashes
There are a few main reasons why semi-trucks get into car accidents:
- Tired drivers (34%)
- Distracted drivers (19%)
- Improperly loaded freight (15%)
- Excessive Rate of Travel (12%)
Further Causes of Accidents are: –
- Distracted driving
- Inadequate traffic flow
- Poor road safety
- Problems with Drugs and Alcohol
- Mechanical difficulties with the vehicle
- Difficult weather
- Aggressive motorists
- Careless driving
State officials are still working to strengthen safety standards for such vehicles to limit the frequency of commercial vehicle accidents.
As traffic on the roads continues to rise, the number of fatal truck accidents is also expected to increase.
According to data collected by TxDOT, traffic congestion in Texas continues to rise. The number of traffic accidents involving commercial vehicles and people killed has risen due to this congestion. Many programs have been put into place by the Texas government to reduce traffic volumes and increase road user safety.
Some of the initiatives taken to make the roads of Texas safer for commercial vehicles and their drivers include
- stricter enforcement of speed restrictions;
- improved infrastructure for commercial vehicle drivers,
- the use of new technology to enhance communication between drivers and commercial vehicles.
Worst Texas Highways for Road Users
Some of the nation’s most hazardous roadways can be found in Texas. Statistics show that in 2022, over 40 people were killed in accidents involving semi-trucks in Texas.
The three most hazardous routes in the Lone Star State are Interstate 10, U.S. Route 83, and International Boulevard.
The number of accidents involving semi-trucks on these highways is quite high. Large vehicles need help navigating safely in areas with heavy traffic and tight roadways.
The I-10 expressway is very risky. Traffic builds up quickly on the interstate’s lengthy sections. Commercial and passenger vehicles frequently collide as a result of high speeds.
As a result of its location so close to Houston’s densely populated suburbs, Interstate 45 is also a risky drive. It is well known that semi-truck accidents are common on U.S. Route 83 in West Texas.
According to data on truck accidents, highways also pose a threat. One of the nation’s longest roadways is Interstate 35. As an important route for semi-trucks moving products between large cities, this road is prone to truck accidents due to its tight curves.
Because of its many hairpins turns, Interstate 20 is notorious for its high number of deadly and injury-causing crashes involving heavy vehicles. In general, Texas has among the most hazardous roads in the United States.
Due to the large traffic volume, cars and semi-trucks frequently competing for space on these roads. Professional truck drivers should always be on the lookout and drive cautiously when traversing the state of Texas.
Death by Mistake
You might be eligible for damages if your loved one was killed in a truck accident. Claiming damages after a truck accident can help pay for medical care, burial expenses, lost wages, emotional suffering, and more. A lawyer who has previously handled similar cases will know how to proceed with your truck accident lawsuit. Investigations into truck crashes are not always easy. Typically, there would be more than one party to blame in an accident of this nature. If your loved one was killed in a truck accident, a lawyer in Austin could help you and your family pursue justice against the responsible person or parties and obtain the financial compensation you need to move on after such a tragic loss.
Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer Right Away
In Texas, the Shrum Law Firm is here to aid those hurt in accidents involving trucks and semi-trucks. A case of this nature might be quite complex, and we get that. We are here to offer you the assistance and representation you require from the law.
In their careers, the lawyers at Shrum Law Firm have handled many cases involving accidents involving trucks. During this trying time, our legal team is here to help. We fully grasp how these misfortunes can change a person’s life.
A team of committed lawyers are ready to represent your interests and support you every step of the way. There is no need to worry. Get in touch with us today for a consultation, and let us assist you in pursuing the compensation and justice you are owed.