Bakersfield is a city in California that is home to over 350,000 people. It is also home to many truck drivers and companies that rely on trucks for transporting goods. Unfortunately, this also means that Bakersfield sees its fair share of truck accidents. This article will explore the common causes of truck accidents in Bakersfield.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 4,000 fatalities each year as a result of truck accidents. While many factors may contribute to these accidents, common causes include driver fatigue, jackknifing, and improper loading. If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to understand these common causes and take steps to protect yourself, including hiring Bakersfield truck accident lawyers.
Now we will see the most common causes of truck accidents in Bakersfield.
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Drug or alcohol use
Drug or alcohol use is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in Bakersfield. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol can often make careless mistakes while behind the wheel, which can lead to serious accidents. In addition, drivers who are impaired can be more likely to fall asleep at the wheel, which can also result in a crash.
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Distracted driving
Distracted driving has been a leading cause of truck accidents for many years. The problem has only gotten worse in recent years with the advent of smartphones and other devices that can keep drivers occupied. Truck drivers are often on the road for long hours, and they may be tempted to use their phones or other devices to keep themselves occupied. This can lead to dangerous situations where the driver is not paying attention to the road.
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Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. When a truck driver is going too fast, they may not be able to stop in time if they need to, which can lead to a severe accident. In addition, trucks are much larger and heavier than cars, so when they do crash, the results can be devastating.
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Driver fatigue
Truck drivers are susceptible to fatigue while on the road, which can lead to severe accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. While there are many factors that can contribute to fatigue while driving, operators should be aware of the dangers and take steps to avoid them.