Most Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents in Texas

Big rigs got their name for a reason: They are massive and heavy. A big rig is another name for a truck with an attached trailer. These trucks can be seen traveling Texas highways daily, carrying various freight loads.
Unfortunately, because these vehicles are so prevalent on the roads, they are often involved in huge accidents. An accident involving a big rig can cause extensive property damage, injuries, and fatalities.
Across the U.S., around 120,000 big rig accidents cause injury every year. These accidents happen for various reasons in all states, including Texas.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of big rig accidents. Truck drivers, by default, have to work long hours. This helps them meet delivery deadlines. But, when they exceed their legal hours on the road, they no longer comply with federal regulations.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that drivers cannot drive longer than 11 hours within 14 hours. They also must take at least a 30-minute break within the first 8 hours.
Despite these regulations, some employers continue to pressure truck drivers to exceed their hours. This inevitably leads to fatigue.
When drivers become fatigued, they can no longer act fast enough when hazards appear on the road. They may make poor decisions, leading to an accident. Even worse, they may experience microsleep while driving, which can lead to a fatal accident.
Driver fatigue is a big problem for Texas truck drivers. Not only do they drive too many hours at a time, but the long stretches of highways can quickly lull them into drowsiness.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is not reckless behavior reserved for car drivers. Most drivers on U.S. roads are guilty of some form of distraction while driving. For truck drivers, distractions include:
- Talking on a cell phone
- Texting
- Adjusting the radio or navigation system
- Eating or drinking
Several laws and trucking company policies aim to reduce distracted driving. However, these types of accidents continue to happen. This is mainly because one bad decision or a split second of lapses in attention can have terrible consequences, especially considering that big rigs weigh up to 80,000 pounds and cause excessive damage in an accident.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Big rigs may not look like they can go very fast, but they can. When a big truck exceeds the speed limit on Texas highways, it becomes far more difficult to slow down or stop in response to a hazard. If a truck driver speeds, they are likely to:
- Lose control of the vehicle, which can cause a major crash
- Fail to stop in time to avoid an accident
- Cause severe damage because of an accident
Unfortunately, many truck drivers still choose to aggressively speed, recklessly change lanes, and tailgate on major roads. When they do this, they put everyone on the road in harm’s way.
Lack of Maintenance
Large trucks must be regularly maintained to ensure they are roadworthy. If an employer neglects maintenance, mechanical failure is a huge risk. A lack of maintenance can cause:
- Brake failure
- Tire blowout
- Malfunctioning lights
- Faulty steering system
According to Texas law, commercial vehicles must be inspected and maintained regularly. Non-compliance, more often than not, has deadly consequences.
Severe Weather
External factors also play a role in big rig accidents. For instance, Texas experiences severe weather, ranging from rainstorms to icy roads. The state also gets blizzards, hail, tornadoes, and hurricanes. These phenomena make highways a dangerous place.
When the roads become slippery or slick because of flooding or ice, it is challenging for truck drivers to control their vehicles. If there is an accident in low light or low visibility conditions, it can cause catastrophe.
Overloaded Cargo
A truck’s cargo load can also impact the vehicle’s safety, so the cargo should be loaded so as not to affect the truck’s stability.
If a truck is overloaded or the cargo is not properly secured, it may lead to a rollover as the truck navigates, turns, or bends. This can also happen during high winds.
Additionally, a spilled load can create hazardous conditions for other drivers, leading to accidents.
Texas truck drivers must follow FMCSA weight limits and loading requirements, but violations still happen. Unfortunately, they often result in tragedy.
Driving Under the Influence
There are also truck drivers who flout the rules and regulations regarding substance use while driving. Some drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which makes it very likely that an accident will happen.
Commercial drivers must have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or lower. In an ideal world, that BAC should be 0.00% at all times.
If a truck driver abuses alcohol or drugs while on duty, it will:
- Impair their judgment, leading to driver error.
- Slow their reaction time on the road.
- Increase the likelihood of risky and reckless behavior.
Inexperienced Drivers
Truck drivers seem to always be in high demand in the U.S. Because of this, some companies hire drivers with minimal experience. These companies often neglect further training to get new drivers on the road as quickly as possible.
If drivers are not used to driving a big rig, they may find it hard to maneuver the vehicle safely. They will also not be able to handle challenging road conditions properly.
Preventing Big Rig Accidents
It is possible to prevent devastating big rig accidents. When drivers and employers comply with FMCSA rules, driver fatigue can be reduced.
Furthermore, drivers and employers must be educated about the dangers of fatigued drivers and reckless road behavior.
New drivers should receive comprehensive and ongoing training before going to the roads. There should also be refresher course options for experienced drivers.
Improved truck safety features can also help prevent accidents over the long term.
Big Rig Accidents Remain an Issue in Texas
Currently, big rig accidents still happen far too often in Texas, and they have serious consequences. If you are involved in a big rig accident, it can mean severe injury and extensive property damage. In this scenario, it is crucial to consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so you can claim compensation.
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