Cell phones are another common distraction. Truckers often use their phones to help break up the monotony of driving long hours along endless roadways. They engage in phone conversations and interact via text messages. These phone interactions lower their attention span and make it more difficult for them to follow road safety guidelines.

Many truck drivers involved in accidents were driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. It's not unusual for some truckers to use both legal and illegal substances. There are several reasons why these truckers use these substances. These include:

• Suffering from addictions
• Engaging in recreational drug usage
• Attempting to stay alert

Truckers driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications put the lives of motorists at risk.

In many cases, these drivers bring these substances with them on their routes. In other cases, they buy these substances when they stop at towns en route to their destination. No matter how they acquire these substances, they all impair judgment and coordination.

Trucking companies expect their drivers to reach their destinations on time. However, there are certain things beyond a trucker's control that hinder timely deliveries. One of these factors is poor weather conditions. Another problem is traffic jams. When faced with these delays, some truckers resort to speeding in an effort to make up for the lost time.

Driving over the speed limit places the lives of other motorists in jeopardy. It causes truck drivers to veer out of their lanes. It reduces their reaction time. They also end up braking fast. Any or a combination of these speed-related scenarios is especially dangerous for oncoming motorists of smaller vehicles.

Tired truckers lose coordination, concentration, and control. This can result in them falling asleep behind the wheel. In just a few moments, the lives of other motorists can be changed forever. This explains why fatigue is one of the main causes of trucking hazards.

Truckers who lack proper commercial driving skills are a road safety threat. Some commercial drivers receive as little as two weeks of training before getting on the road. Even though they meet the legal minimum requirements, often it's not enough to prevent truck driving accidents and fatalities. There's no guarantee that a trained trucker will follow road safety best practices.

Some causes of trucking accidents are due to the condition of the trucks. Even though federal law requires that these vehicles be kept in tip-top condition, there are trucking companies that fail to comply. They cut corners on maintenance and repairs in order to save money and reduce downtimes. This makes sharing public roads with these massive commercial vehicles a menace.

There are reckless truck drivers as well as negligent truck companies. These pose a threat to pedestrians, bicycles, and motorists. Far too many people get injured or lose their lives in truck-related accidents. If you or someone you know is the victim of this kind of calamity, you need aggressive attorneys who understand the complexities of trucking industry laws and regulations.

Prince Glover Hayes is your best option in Alabama. The Tuscaloosa-based law firm has represented personal injury clients since 1979. Our attorneys have won major settlements and verdicts against large trucking companies. Let us help you get what you deserve for your injuries and losses. Contact us now for a free case evaluation.

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