1. Tractor Trailer Truck Accidents are on The Rise and Studies have
Identified The Primary Causes
1. Exhaustion
Truckers often have to deal with a chronic lack of sleep, drowsiness and fatigue. Their reduced focus and slow reaction
times can lead to fatal mistakes. In fact, the National Transportation Safety Board estimates that exhaustion causes about
40% of related accidents. Some companies have issued eye monitors to prevent drivers from falling asleep at the wheel
but the cost has limited the deployment.
2. Aggression
Road rage is becoming a big problem in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is commonly manifested through aggressive
tailgating and deliberate obstruction. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that 7% of tractor trailer
truck accidents are rooted in road rage. Victims may claim damages if it is proven that the driver acted recklessly.
3. Speeding
It is the job of truckers to reach their destination fast. Late deliveries may result in fines or outright refusals. The pressure
is such that they often find themselves speeding just to beat the deadline. Combining heavy loads and high speeds is a
recipe for disaster as the momentum makes them difficult to stop. Most 18-wheeler truck accidents happen this way.
One solution is to limit the top speed but some companies ignore this in the interest of profits.
4. Overloading
To minimize 18-wheeler truck accidents, regulations have placed a ceiling on total weight: 80,000 lb. This cannot be
breached unless a formal exemption has been secured. Despite the law, a few trucking companies continue to overload
the vehicles. This increases the risk of tire blowouts, brake failures, overturning, and loss of control.

2. 5. Driving Under Influence
It is important for companies to conduct random testing for drugs and alcohol consumption. Truckers must be sober at
all times so that their reflexes aren't compromised. Those who get involved in road accidents that result in serious injury
have to be tested immediately for verification.
6. Service Violations
There are rules that restrict the driving hours for truckers. These include mandatory rest periods. Each of them must log
their hours carefully for compliance. However, these logs are often falsified to allow truckers to drive longer and collect
higher pay. They fail to recognize that their health suffers as a consequence of their actions. In a fatigued state, they
could quickly get involved in semi truck accidents.
7. Lack of Training
The law requires would-be truckers to acquire a commercial driver's license through graduation from driving school and
the completion of an apprenticeship. After obtaining the license, they must go through continuing training to keep them
sharp in the face of adverse road conditions, bad weather, and emergency situations. Companies who allow improperly
trained truckers to drive their vehicles can be subjected to harsh penalties, especially if these people figure in semi truck
accidents.
If you are a victim of irresponsible truck drivers and their companies, give us a call and we will help you get proper
compensation for the damages. The Law Office of Cohn and Smith in South Florida can be reached at (954) 431-8100.