Recent semi-truck accidents across the Texas landscape emphasize the potential for disaster to other drivers - usually within a moment's notice. Consider the following recent statistics concerning semi-truck (and big truck) accidents.
*In a recent year there were over 425,000 semi-truck accidents across the United States. They resulted in over five thousand deaths and over 130,000 injuries - both major and minor.
*In a recent year there were over five thousand vehicle fatalities in Texas alone. Slightly less than ten percent of these involved large and/or semi-truck accidents in Texas.
*Surprisingly, approximately two-thirds of 18-wheeler accidents occur on rural roadways...and just as difficult to comprehend is the fact that most semi-truck accidents occur in good weather on dry roads during the week (as opposed to weekends).
*The number of semi-truck accidents due to driver fatigue has increased ten percent a year for the past few years. Meanwhile, trucking revenues continue to grow - and are expected to double within the next five years.
*The obvious conclusion is that drivers are being pressured to meet increasingly challenging deadlines as they move products across the country. Who benefits the most from this?
The obvious conclusion is the trucking industry business. Who loses - the average and unsuspecting driver on America's roadways who motor along blissfully unaware of the increasing dangers posed by semi-truck drivers.
Safe driving habits are particularly important when driving near semi-trucks. This includes leaving a healthy distance between your vehicle and theirs - and passing with caution.
Greg Baumgartner is a Texas truck accident lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Texas call the Baumgartner firm.
