4 Ways Commercial Drivers Can Reduce Accidents On Georgia Roadways

Commercial drivers and large trucks form the backbone of the American shipping industry. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, tractor units travel hundreds of millions of miles on US freeways. With 75% of the cargo in Georgia being carried by truck, the state is certainly no exception.

Of all the personal and commercial vehicles on Georgia’s roads, Atlanta is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the entire United States. As traffic continues to grow across the state, Efforts are made to reduce the congestion caused by large vehicles, but the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) predicts that total traffic will actually double by 2040. Every day there is more traffic – and more large commercial vehicles – on roads across Georgia.

As the traffic on the roads and highways of Georgia increases, so does the danger. According to reports from National Road Safety AuthorityIn 2018, there were 1,504 deaths from motor vehicle accidents across Georgia. That number has declined only marginally since 2017, when there were 1,540 deaths. Of these 1,504 deaths, 187 occurred in Accidents involving a large truckor about 12.5%.

Unfortunately, if traffic is expected to double in the coming years, we must assume that the number of accidents and deaths on the roads will continue to rise.

The Influence of Commercial Drivers on the Streets of Georgia

Commercial drivers and tractor units provide a vital service that feeds every other industry in our state – not to mention the transportation of the food that feeds them us. From the outside, being a commercial driver behind the wheel of a Semis may be easy, but there’s a lot more to it than just listening to the radio and driving from one place to another.

Commercial drivers spend long hours on the road, sometimes more than most people on a more frequent nine to five job. The vehicles they drive require special skills. You need to be more vigilant and more aware of potential dangers than the average motorist. You need to be prepared for constant changes in road and weather conditions. They always do their job with the idea in mind that a small mistake could lead to disaster.

Large commercial vehicles and tractor units pose a particular threat to drivers in passenger cars for several reasons:

• While an average automobile can weigh two to three tons, a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh more than 40 tons. Compared to a car, they need significantly more time and space to slow down and come to a standstill.
• Because of the length and height of most trailers, large trucks are also prone to problems caused by high winds. A strong wind blowing on the side of the trailer can push the entire vehicle in one direction or the other, making it difficult to control.
• There are obvious differences in visibility and blind spots around a large vehicle. Not only do commercial drivers have to deal with the extra length of their trucks, but they also sit much higher than an ordinary passenger car. There is much more space around them for smaller vehicles to drive into blind spots where they are temporarily invisible.

4 Ways Commercial Drivers Can Improve Road Safety

To be able to live together safely on roads and highways, it is important that both private and commercial drivers do their part to reduce the dangers we are all exposed to when we get behind the wheel. The following are four safety suggestions that will reduce the risks associated with large trucks.

Secure and cover your cargo

Most drivers don’t need to be reminded of the importance of making sure a load is completely safe before hitting the road. However, it is all too common for large trucks and trailers to carry all kinds of exposed material that can potentially damage vehicles on the highway.

It’s not just trailers full of gravel that damage paint and crack windshields. If you have something that could potentially throw dirt on the road behind you, take a few minutes and cover your load before you set off.

Be aware of the weather

With smartphones, there’s no excuse for not checking the weather before you set off, and even throughout the day. In the spring and summer months, for example, Georgia can suddenly experience heavy rains. Make sure you and your truck are fully prepared for the work day (or night) ahead.

Don’t let distractions

Speaking of smartphones, if you want to use your phone, do so while stopping at a rest stop or refueling. Calling or texting while driving is a leading cause of traffic accidents and deaths across the country. Don’t try fate. Wait a few minutes and drop by if you need to call or text something important.

Take care of your health

Taking care of your health is especially important on the street where you are surrounded by fast food and unhealthy snacks. If you don’t get exercise and keep eating junk food, it will put a strain on you. You have a lot less energy and a lot more trouble staying alert and focusing while driving.

Try to eat well. Get at least a little exercise and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Sleepy driving is high on the list of reasons for this Accidents, to.

Contact an Atlanta traffic accident attorney

If you have been injured in a commercial driver accident, you should speak to a qualified and experienced accident injury attorney as soon as possible. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Atlanta can help you reclaim the compensation you are entitled to to cover lost wages, medical bills, prescriptions, and your aches and pains.

At the Greathouse Trial LawOur team of personal injury attorneys have the knowledge, expertise and experience you want. We believe it is imperative that your rights are protected during a time of pain and that you do not have to endure the added stress caused by concerns about lost income and increasing medical expenses. Let’s resolve any legal issues while you focus on getting well and getting back to your life.

Advice is free and confidential. We’d be happy to go through the details of your personal injury and discuss exactly what we can do to help you. You can contact us You can make an appointment at any time online or by calling (888) 353-1458.