Truck drivers are human just like any of us and, as a result, have plenty of bad habits when they take to the road each day. Unfortunately, those human habits are far more dangerous for those around them because they are driving multi-ton vehicles that can cause tremendous, life threatening accidents for just about anyone nearby. Such problems can be the result of dozens of small failings or just one major mistake. Whatever the cause, these accidents are extremely dangerous.

Specific Mistakes that Can Be Avoided

Common mistakes that are made by truck drivers include not paying attention to the road while texting on a cell phone, talking on a phone or radio, using a laptop computer, watching movies, eating meals, or just plain losing concentration due to fatigue. Other mistakes that can commonly be made include forgetting to signal or check mirrors, driving too fast, taking turns too sharply, or not checking various parts of the truck before driving each day.

The Rules Regarding Truck Drivers

Truck drivers are regulated by a number of federal and state laws that require them not to stay on the road too much, stay off of their cell phones and computers, and maintain specific maintenance checks on a rotating basis. There are speed regulations, passing regulations, and laws that dictate what roads they can drive on. All of these rules are designed to make them safer when they take to the road each day.

For many truck drivers, who spend their days driving as much as 500 or 600 miles across the country, the risk of an accident begins to fade quickly into the recesses of their mind. Driving is not the high risk endeavour it once was – it is an everyday part of their lives. Unfortunately, once that degree of casual indifference sets in, the risk of an accident jumps dramatically. Be wary of any truck driver who appears to be driving erratically, and if you are in an accident, be sure to find out if there were any bad habits involved. This article is not intended to provide legal advice.

Don’t let bad driving habits leave you out of necessary funds after a Oakland truck accident. Contact Gordon and Elias LLP today for cases in the Oakland area and nationwide.