The I-10, I-45, and other major roads in Harris County are critical for transporting products and materials throughout the state. However, these roads are also hot spots for truck accidents in Houston, which are among the most devastating collisions.
At The Stano Law Firm, our legal team is dedicated to helping victims of Houston truck accidents and fights to protect their rights to compensation. Due to the massive height and weight of most tanker trucks, semis, and other big rigs, these crashes often impact nearby traffic, resulting in multi-vehicle collisions and potentially life-threatening injuries. The following are five common causes:
1. Truck No Zones
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) warns all motorists to be aware of truck no zones, which are large areas around trucks where the driver has limited visibility. These blind spots make it nearly impossible for truckers to see smaller vehicles, increasing the chances of collisions. Truck no zones are located in the following places:
- Directly in front of the truck, stretching out 20 feet;
- Behind the truck, extending as far as 30 feet back;
- On either side of the truck, extending the entire length of the cab and across multiple lanes.
Staying visible when sharing the road with truckers and avoiding no zones can reduce the risk of being involved in a Houston truck accident.
2. Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is a common problem in the trucking industry and one of the leading causes of potentially fatal truck accidents in Houston. Impacts on a trucker’s driving abilities that can happen due to being excessively tired include:
- Watery eyes and blurred vision;
- Reduced reflexes and reaction times;
- Impaired judgment;
- Increased chance the trucker will fall asleep behind the wheel.
Overly demanding work schedules and a lack of breaks on the road increase drowsy driving risks. As negligent work policies are often responsible, trucking companies may share the blame when drowsy-driving truck accidents in Houston happen.
3. Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving behavior is another common problem in the trucking industry that can happen due to overly tight schedules. Truck drivers are under immense pressure from employers to meet delivery deadlines, which can lead to the following behaviors:
- Speeding: Commercial truck drivers are sometimes encouraged to drive faster than is safe, especially on highways like I-10, where truck speeds often exceed 70 mph.
- Tailgating: When truckers tailgate motorists, it reduces their ability to stop in time if traffic slows.
- Weaving between lanes: Aggressive lane changes without signaling or cutting off other drivers are common in congested areas, increasing the risk of collisions.
In Houston, where traffic congestion is a constant issue, aggressive driving can quickly escalate to road rage and increases the likelihood of fatal crashes.
4. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a concern for all motorists, and truckers are no exception. Being distracted may cause a truck driver not to notice changes in traffic patterns or other hazards, preventing them from responding appropriately. Common types of distracted driving behaviors truckers often engage in include:
- Texting or using cell phones;
- Adjusting the radio or GPS settings;
- Talking to passengers or on a CB radio;
- Eating and drinking while behind the wheel.
5. Driving Under The Influence
Driving with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) level of .08 is against the law under the Texas Penal Code, it could result in potentially severe criminal penalties, particularly for truckers. However, driving with any amount of alcohol or while using drugs increases the risk of potentially catastrophic truck accidents. This includes:
- Prescribed medication, including those used to treat heart disease, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain;
- Over-the-counter medicines, such as stimulants, decongestants, and certain types of cough syrup;
- Marijuana, regardless of whether you have a doctor’s approval or are listed in the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT);
- ‘Street’ drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine and illegally obtained opioids and other medications.
Our Experienced Houston Truck Accident Attorney Protects Your Rights To Compensation In A Claim
When truck accidents in Houston happen due to the above or other causes, it can leave motorists in surrounding lanes suffering potentially devastating harm. At The Stano Law Firm, we hold negligent truckers and the companies they work for liable for your damages.
As a former prosecutor, our experienced Houston truck accidents lawyer protects your rights and fights to get you the maximum compensation you are entitled to, either through insurers or by taking your case to court. Call 832-777-0390 or contact our office online and request a consultation today.