Georgia Injury Lawyer Blog

According to the 2006 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, one in 20 drivers will be involved in an accident this year. The government study also showed that there are roughly 141,000 truck crashes each year with 77,000 of these or over one-half being the direct fault of the driver. Aubrey Allen Smith is the author of “Truth About Trucking.” Mr. Smith apparently hails from Citrus Springs, Florida and has compiled a list of the top ten causes of these truck accidents. According to Mr. Smith, the top ten causes of truck accidents are as follows:

1. Prescription drug use - 26%
2. Traveling too fast - 25%
3. Unfamiliar with roadway - 22%
4. Over the counter drug use - 18%
5. Inadequate surveillance - 14%
6. Fatigue - 13%
7. Illegal maneuver - 9%
8. Exterior distraction - 8%
9. Inadequate evasive action - 7%
10. Aggressive driving behavior - 7%

In short, roughly 50% of the accidents for which statistics are available indicate that truck drivers are taking drugs or traveling too fast. One can hardly be surprised with the brutal work schedule these drivers keep and the pressures placed upon them by their employers to place profit above safety. While everyone has to make a living, the pressures on American truck drivers are clearly at an all time high and regrettably, the stress and strain is borne out by the statistical data which so reflects. In this age of de-regulation, regrettably, we believe that the statistics will only get worse. Because of the Government’s de-regulation of the truck industry, litigation with large awards may be the best deterrent available to save lives.