Top Causes of Truck Accidents

Picture this: you’re cruising down the highway, humming to your favorite playlist, when a towering 18-wheeler looms in your rearview mirror. Trucks are the lifeblood of commerce, hauling everything from groceries to gadgets, but they’re also enormous, heavy, and occasionally unpredictable. Sharing the road with these giants can be nerve-wracking, and for good reason—when trucks are involved in accidents, the results can be devastating.

While some crashes can be chalked up to bad luck, many stem from preventable causes, like overworked drivers pushing past exhaustion or improperly strapped cargo. The factors behind truck accidents are varied but consistent, and awareness of the causes can help keep everyone safe on the road.

Driver Fatigue and Long Hours Behind the Wheel

Truck drivers often log marathon hours behind the wheel, navigating tight schedules and unpredictable traffic. No wonder fatigue creeps in—imagine trying to stay focused after a strenuous 15-hour day.

The FMCSA reports that driver fatigue plays a role in 14% of semi-truck accidents. Even with federal regulations for hours, some drivers feel pressured to push limits, turning drowsiness into a dangerous road companion. And unlike a quick nap for most of us, a sleepy trucker’s misstep can spell disaster for everyone nearby.

Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

When a 20-ton vehicle barrels down the highway, every part had better be in top shape. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Worn brakes, bald tires, and other mechanical failures contribute to about 10% of truck accidents, according to FMCSA data. Regular inspections are critical, but some companies prioritize cost-cutting over safety, gambling with lives to save a few bucks.

Overloading and Improper Cargo Securement

Exceeding weight limits or failing to secure cargo properly makes a truck unstable, more challenging to stop, and prone to rollovers or spills. Federal guidelines on load limits and securement are clear, but not every driver or company follows them. The result? Shifting cargo can throw off balance, cause accidents, or leave a highway looking like the aftermath of a garage sale gone wrong.

Dangerous Driving Behaviors: Speeding and Tailgating

Trucks need significantly more distance to stop, so reckless driving behaviors like these are especially hazardous. Conversely, impatient car drivers cutting off trucks or lingering in blind spots can set the stage for disaster. The road is a shared space, but sometimes, it feels like an unsupervised chaos zone.

Trucks may be the workhorses of the road, but their size and weight demand extra vigilance from everyone.