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Large commercial trucks are an essential part of Kentucky’s economy, but when a driver makes a mistake, the consequences can be devastating. These massive vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, meaning even a momentary lapse in judgment can cause catastrophic damage. Truck driver errors remain one of the leading causes of truck accidents across the United States. Understanding the most common forms of truck driver negligence can help Kentucky motorists recognize danger on the road and take steps to stay safe.
1. Driving While Fatigued
Truck driver fatigue is one of the most widespread and dangerous causes of truck accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatigue plays a role in roughly 13% of all large truck crashes nationwide. Long hours behind the wheel, overnight driving, and pressure to meet delivery deadlines all increase the likelihood of exhaustion.
Federal “Hours of Service” regulations limit the number of hours a trucker can drive without rest. Typically, drivers can operate for 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Unfortunately, many trucking companies encourage or even demand that drivers stretch these limits to meet delivery schedules. Some drivers falsify their logbooks or fail to take mandatory breaks, leading to slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and microsleeps that last only seconds but can cause devastating collisions.
A fatigued truck driver’s body and brain perform much like those of a driver under the influence of alcohol. Reduced alertness makes it difficult to respond to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions, leading to rear-end collisions, lane drift, or failure to stop in time.
2. Distractions Behind the Wheel
Distracted driving is a growing problem among all motorists, but for truck drivers, the consequences are magnified by the size and weight of their vehicles. The FMCSA reports that distracted truck drivers are 23 times more likely to cause a crash than those who remain fully attentive.
Common distractions include texting, checking GPS devices, eating, adjusting the radio, or using in-cab technology. Even hands-free systems can take a driver’s mind off the road for several seconds—enough time to travel the length of a football field at highway speed.
Many trucking companies install onboard monitoring systems or electronic logging devices (ELDs), but some of these systems can inadvertently increase distraction. Drivers may also be tempted to handle dispatch devices or log entries while driving. Federal law prohibits texting or holding a mobile phone while operating a commercial motor vehicle, yet violations continue to occur.
When a distracted truck driver drifts into another lane or fails to notice slowing traffic ahead, the outcome can be catastrophic. These accidents often involve multiple vehicles and severe injuries to those in smaller cars.
3. Drug and Alcohol Use
Despite strict federal testing requirements, impaired driving remains a leading cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol tests, as well as mandatory testing after certain crashes. However, some drivers still attempt to evade these safeguards.
The FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse reported more than 100,000 positive drug test violations among commercial drivers in 2023. The most common substances were marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines, all drugs that can alter perception, judgment, and reaction time. While alcohol-related crashes involving truck drivers are less frequent, the risk is still significant when they occur.
Many truck drivers face intense schedules and long hours alone on the road, which can lead to reliance on stimulants to stay awake or depressants to manage stress. These choices, while sometimes stemming from industry pressures, violate federal safety standards and place everyone on the road in danger.
4. Aggressive or Reckless Driving
Aggressive or reckless driving behaviors are another form of truck driver negligence that frequently leads to catastrophic crashes. This includes speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and failing to yield the right of way. In 2022, FMCSA data shows that driver-related factors were reported in about one-third of fatal large-truck crashes, with speeding being the most frequently cited factor among them.
Truckers under tight delivery deadlines may feel pressure from dispatchers or employers to maintain unrealistic schedules. When they exceed the speed limit or drive aggressively to make up lost time, they significantly reduce their ability to brake or maneuver safely. A fully loaded tractor-trailer requires up to 40% more stopping distance than a passenger vehicle, even in ideal conditions.
Aggressive truck drivers may also engage in risky behavior when frustrated by traffic congestion or slower vehicles. Unfortunately, these actions often put smaller vehicles directly in harm’s way.
You Don’t Have To Face the Aftermath of a Truck Accident Alone
While many truck accidents are caused by driver errors, it is important to note that responsibility can sometimes extend beyond the driver. Trucking companies may be liable if they pressured the driver to meet unrealistic schedules or failed to enforce safety regulations. Vehicle owners can share liability if maintenance was neglected, and maintenance providers may be accountable for failing to repair or inspect critical equipment. Even manufacturers can be responsible when defective parts contribute to a crash.
If you were injured due to truck driver negligence or related factors, you have the right to pursue compensation for your losses. A truck accident attorney can help investigate the cause of the crash, gather evidence such as logbooks, electronic data, and maintenance records, and build a case against all responsible parties.
At Louisville Injury Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a truck accident can be. Our team represents individuals and families throughout Kentucky who have been harmed by careless or negligent truck drivers. We handle every aspect of your case, from collecting evidence to negotiating with insurers, so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today to discuss your case.