When a passenger vehicle is involved in a truck accident, the injuries and property damage is often extensive. Due to the massive size and weight of a large commercial truck, it is usually the occupants of the passenger vehicles who suffer the most injuries and fatalities. If motorists have a better understanding of when these accidents are more likely to occur, they can avoid being on the road during these times or use extra caution when sharing the road with a large truck. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), there are times during the day and a particular day of the week when truck accidents are more likely to occur.
Statistics show that the majority of truck accidents occur during the hours of noon and 3:00 p.m., rather than at night when visibility is lower, or during the afternoon rush hour when there are more drivers on the road. The IIHS discovered the following surprising statistics:
- Sixty-five percent of fatal truck accidents occurred between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The highest percentage of fatalities occurred from noon to 3:00 p.m.
- Close to 18 percent of people involved in truck accidents between noon and 3:00 p.m. lost their lives, and nearly 22 percent suffered injuries.
- Only 13 percent of traffic accidents that did not involve large trucks took place during this same time period.
- The time period that had the least amount of truck accidents was midnight to 3:00 a.m.
Beware of Fatal Thursdays
IIHS also discovered that the most truck accidents occurred on Thursdays. This is likely due to the fact that truck drivers are more fatigued toward the end of the week. In addition, truck drivers who were anxious to get home after a long week behind the wheel drove extra miles to get home. In 2015, the highest percentage of fatal truck accidents occurred on Thursdays, compared to 17 percent on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
How to Avoid a Truck Accident
You should always be cautious when driving in the vicinity of a large truck. Use common sense, make safety a priority, and keep the following tips in mind to avoid a devastating truck accident:
- Keep your attention focused on the road at all times and avoid distractions, such as eating, talking on the phone, or checking a text message.
- Maintain a safe distance from large trucks. Avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots as this can increase the risk of an accident.
- Do not suddenly change lanes or merge into traffic, as the truck may not be able to slow down or stop fast enough.
- Depending on what cargo the truck is carrying, debris can fall off the truck. Maintaining a safe distance will help you avoid being hit by flying debris.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Truck Accident Victims
If you were seriously injured in a truck accident, the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are on your side. We understand the devastating nature of these accidents and we will work tirelessly to secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for the injuries you sustained. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Located in Baltimore, Columbia, and Glen Burnie, we represent clients throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge
