We see them everywhere in and around Columbus: massive big rigs sharing the roadways with smaller passenger vehicles. These vehicles can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, and when drivers speed, they can cause catastrophic accidents that can leave multiple road users hurt.
Truck drivers are often under pressure to deliver as much cargo as possible in a short amount of time. For this reason, truck drivers may exceed the speed limit and multitask while driving. But the consequences can be devastating.
Faster speed, higher risk to Columbus drivers
An annual survey conducted by SmartDrive examined the reasons why truckers exceed the posted speed limit and the lack of control they may have over their vehicles.
The survey found:
- Truck drivers who exceeded the speed limit by no more than 10 mph were 45 percent more likely than other drivers to nearly cause a collision.
- Truck drivers involved in a collision were 69 percent more likely to have exceeded the speed limit by over 10 mph.
- Truck drivers involved in a collision were 45 percent more likely to have exceeded the speed limit by no more than 10 mph.
The habits of speeding truck drivers
SmartDrive also broke down the habits of truck drivers who usually exceed the posted speed limit. The survey found that speeding truck drivers were:
- 272 percent more likely to have driven with both hands off the wheel
- 169 percent more likely to have straddled lanes
- 152 percent more likely to have dangerously passed other vehicles or changed lanes
- 100 percent more likely to have maneuvered turns dangerously
- 59 percent more likely to have backed up dangerously
- 53 percent more likely to have used brakes abruptly or carelessly
Other common habits of speeding truck drivers include following dangerously close to other vehicles, failing to stop at stop signs, and blowing through traffic lights. While some truck drivers may feel confident engaging in this dangerous behavior, it only takes one error in judgment and one wrong move to cause a serious crash.
Truck accidents can be highly complex. Dealing with trucking companies and their insurers takes a wealth of legal knowledge and experience. Don’t go it alone.
If you or a loved one was the victim of a crash caused by a negligent truck driver, you need a highly skilled Columbus truck accident attorney on your side who will fight for your rights.
Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.
