Risky Truck Driver Behavior That Could Cause a Semi Accident

In 2023, crashes involving large trucks led to 5,472 deaths and an estimated 153,452 injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While that figure represents an 8% decrease from 2022, large trucks remain dangerous. They account for about 9% of fatal traffic crashes and roughly 5% of injury and property-damage-only crashes.

Many of these crashes are preventable. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Large Truck Crash Causation Study found that driver-related factors are the most frequently recorded contributors to serious truck crashes. Understanding these risky behaviors can help you stay safer when driving near commercial trucks in Kansas City.

What is a large truck?

A large truck is any truck, commercial or not, with a gross vehicle weight over 10,000 pounds. This category includes semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles. When fully loaded, these trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is 20 to 30 times heavier than a typical passenger car.

The top dangerous truck driver behaviors

The FMCSA’s study found that most serious truck crashes were caused by a few common factors. Out of the top 19 factors, 15 are related to driver behavior.

Speeding or driving too fast for conditions

Speeding or driving too fast is the most common driver-related cause of fatal truck crashes. Speeding not only means going over the speed limit, but also driving too fast for the weather or road conditions. Dangerous conditions requiring reduced speeds include:

• Rain, snow, ice, or fog
• Construction zones
• Curves and steep grades
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Uneven or damaged road surfaces

A fully loaded tractor-trailer weighing 80,000 pounds traveling under ideal conditions at a speed of 65 miles per hour will take 525 feet to stop, per Truck Smart. If the driver is speeding, it takes even longer to stop, giving them less time to react to dangers on the road.

Driver fatigue

Driver fatigue is a leading factor in large truck crashes. The Large Truck Crash Causation Study found that about 13% of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered fatigued at the time of their crash.

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that staying awake for 17 hours can impair you as much as having a blood alcohol level of 0.05%, which is the level some countries use for drunk driving violations. Truck drivers are especially at risk because they often work long hours, have irregular schedules, and feel pressure to meet tight deadlines.

Federal Hours of Service regulations allow truckers to drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour period after taking 10 hours off. Still, some drivers break these rules, and even following them can lead to fatigue in some situations.

Distracted driving

Distracted driving is now one of the main causes of truck accidents across the country. FMCSA research shows that distraction and inattention are often leading factors in fatal crashes. These studies found that truck drivers who dial a cell phone are six times more likely to be in a safety-critical event, and those who text are 23.2 times more likely.

Distractions for truckers included:

• Cellphone use (calling, texting, browsing)
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Using GPS or navigation systems
• Reading maps or paperwork
• External distractions (billboards or other accidents)

Federal rules don’t allow commercial truck drivers to text or use handheld devices while driving.

Inadequate surveillance

Inadequate surveillance describes crashes caused by a driver’s failure to properly observe their surroundings. This includes failing to check mirrors and blind spots before lane changes, not scanning intersections before proceeding, and misjudging the distance or speed of other vehicles.

Large trucks have sizable blind spots, known as “no-zones,” on all four sides where cars can disappear from the driver’s view. If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in their side mirror, they can’t see you either.

Following too closely

Because they’re so heavy, semi-trucks need much more distance to stop than regular cars. If a truck driver follows too closely, they may not be able to stop in time if traffic slows down or stops suddenly.

Tailgating or following too closely is a common cause of serious crashes. When trucks hit vehicles from behind, people in smaller cars often suffer severe injuries or even death.

Failure to take evasive action

When a hazard appears, truckers must do everything they reasonably can to avoid or reduce a crash, such as braking or steering away from obstacles. If they don’t react properly, they can be held partially or fully responsible for any injuries that result.

Who is at fault in truck accidents?

Figuring out who is at fault in truck crashes can be complicated. NHTSA data shows that in over 80% of fatal crashes with large trucks, the people who died weren’t in the truck. The victims were in other vehicles, on motorcycles, or were pedestrians. This shows how other road users are at risk when truck drivers act carelessly.

Multiple parties may share liability in a truck crash:

• The trucker
• The trucking company
• Vehicle maintenance providers
• Cargo loading companies
• Truck or parts manufacturers

Dangerous roads for truck accidents in Kansas City

Kansas City is located where several major freight highways meet, including I-70, I-35, and the I-435 loop. The convergence of these roads creates high-risk zones for truck crashes due to fast speeds, merging traffic, and heavy congestion during busy times.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit?

Missouri’s statute of limitations for truck accident personal injury claims is five years from the date of the crash. Wrongful death claims must be filed within three years. In Kansas, on the other hand, both personal injury and wrongful death claims after a truck accident must be filed within two years.

Frequently asked questions

How are truck accident claims different from car accident claims?

Truck accident claims are more complicated than regular car accident claims. They involve federal rules, several possible responsible parties, bigger insurance policies, and special evidence like electronic logging device (ELD) data and driver qualification files.

What compensation can I recover after a truck accident?

Victims can recover costs for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and rehabilitation. In serious cases, you may also get compensation for permanent disability. If someone dies, wrongful death claims can cover funeral costs and loss of companionship.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

No. Insurance adjusters try to pay as little as possible. Anything you say, even if you just mentioned feeling “fine,” can be used to lower your claim. Talk to an attorney before giving any recorded statements.

What evidence is important in a truck accident case?

Important evidence includes the truck’s ELD data, driver logs, inspection and maintenance records, the driver’s qualification file, black box data, and any dashcam footage. This evidence needs to be saved quickly before it’s lost or deleted.

Injured in a truck accident in Kansas City?

If you’ve been hurt in a tractor-trailer accident, talk to an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as you can. These cases are more complicated than regular car accidents and often involve federal rules, several responsible parties, and large insurance policies. Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys can help.

You can contact us online or call our Kansas City office now to set up a free consultation.