What are the Main Causes of Truck Accidents in Idaho?

Truck accidents in Idaho are common and can be attributed to a number of different factors. One of the most important reasons for these accidents is simply the weight of the vehicles. The average semi-truck weighs 20 times as much as a car and has more than 100 times as much stopping force after hitting something. Another factor is that trucks on rural highways travel at speeds that are on average 30% higher than those of cars.

Whatever the cause is, being in a truck accident can be a devastating experience for you and your family. Moreover, truck accidents cause severe injuries to the individuals in the other vehicle involved in the accident. Therefore, it is essential to seek the legal side of getting compensation, with the help of a boise idaho auto accident lawyer by your side.

Let us now see the common factors that cause truck accidents in Idaho.

1. Overworked drivers

Truck drivers are making a living by working long hours, sometimes for days on end, to make a profit. These overworked drivers are causing dangerous accidents on the highway due to their inability to focus and make quick decisions. Truck accidents happen at a higher rate than car accidents. 

2. Speeding

Unfortunately, many truck accidents and fatalities occur due to speeding. If drivers maintain a safe speed for the conditions, then much of the risk of an accident involving trucks could be eliminated. Speed limits should reflect the caution appropriate for various types of roads and needed for trucks that may not be as agile as cars.

3. Misloaded cargo

Trucks are constantly on the road, transporting goods from store to store. This often requires trucks to be loaded with heavy cargo that can potentially cause truck accidents. Truck drivers are constantly relying on other workers to load their trucks. It is possible for the wrong types of cargo to be loaded onto a truck, leading to either minor or severe injuries in an accident.

4. Weather conditions

Truck accidents are on the rise during winter weather conditions. Studies show that 40% of truck crashes happen as a result of adverse weather. In addition to being a time for family and friends to come together, the winter season is notorious for heavy snowstorms that can leave an entire region covered in white. In the event of a snowstorm, many people forget how dangerous it can be to drive. Hitting slippery patches on the road or having trouble seeing other vehicles around you are just a few of the ways that driving conditions during a snowstorm can be hazardous.