Feb 12, 2018 | Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Many truck drivers make the conscious choice to drive at night. The road is inevitably less congested, they can finish quicker— and maybe even collect a bonus for finishing in a time crunch. But, night driving comes with its own set of risks. From the drivers side, to other motorists— there are a few more factors to consider when it comes to night driving and tractor trailers. So we’re going to break it down from you and help you understand the in’s and out’s of night driving for tractor trailers.
The Risk and Reward of Night Driving for Tractor Trailers
First things first, I want you to understand that there are plenty of positive reasons for truck drivers to operate at night. For one, there are less people out on the roadways. This makes for a less stressful drive, and more room for them to operate comfortably. There is also typically less of a wait for fueling up, and less weigh stations are open— so, less stops, and less time spent on the ones you have to make.
Not to mention, some companies offer an incentive for jobs finished in a time crunch. So, it can potentially make for a more profitable, safer endeavor. But, that is if things go perfectly as planned. In short, there are a few ways that night driving can be hazardous for the truck drivers and for other drivers on the roadway.
Then what makes it so dangerous?
For starters, truck driving is a pretty tough job. You’re stuck in a car all day and it’s easy to fall into a lull. Having traffic present is a great way to break yourself out of the lull, because you have to be extremely alert. But, for drivers who decide to go at night— they have a mostly open roadway. While this is a potential up-side, it can also be a risk. It’s much easier for drivers to fall into a sort of trance when their defenses don’t have to be so high. Also, fatigue is much more likely in those driving at night. Think about it, you’re skipping the normal sleep cycle in order to keep going. This, combined with an empty roadway has the potential for disaster if you aren’t able to stay awake.
Low visibility
One factor of night driving that can’t be ignored— is low visibility. When you’re driving at night, especially on dimly lit roads— you can’t see quite as well. This can be dangerous in a numb er of situations ranging from a car without headlights, to a rogue deer. Wildlife can come out of nowhere when you’re driving— especially in more rural areas.
Construction is also more likely to be performed at night, which can be both negative and positive for truck drivers. For one, you will likely run into more of it. But, on the other hand— less cars on the roadway means less waiting to pass construction.
Ultimately, every driver has to calculate the risk of their decisions. Night driving might be ideal for some, and an absolute no-go for others. But, it’s important to understand the added risks that come with doing so. That way, you can make sure you avoid the circumstances. We wish you luck and safe driving for your travels!
Feb 9, 2018 | Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
If you’re trying to pick a career path— chances are, you’ve considered a lot of different options. But one you might’ve skipped over, is becoming a truck driver. Maybe you don’t think the money is worth it, you aren’t comfortable driving a large vehicle, and the thought of it is daunting. But, what you might not know, is that there are plenty of positive reasons to become a truck driver. So, before you say no— take a look at our list of reasons why being a truck driver, might be right up your alley.
Reasons to Become a Truck Driver: Why the Open Road Might Be Your Best Path
Job Security
There are plenty of opportunities within the field of truck driving. As we’ve said, it can be pretty daunting. Because of that, many people don’t even consider it. Therefore, there are plenty of jobs available between the U.S. and Canada. If you are willing and want to find a place within this field, there are plenty of opportunities.
You have options
After a year or two on the road, you’ll get a feel for what makes you comfortable. Once you’ve established yourself, you can decide what type of truck you’d like to drive. Some offer more money than others, and you ultimately can make an easy transition being that you’re in the same field. Not to mention, you can always become an instructor. There is schooling for truck drivers too— it’s no different than any other career path. So, if you want to get off the open road every now and then, there are instructor positions that might be readily available.
Some companies will provide family-wide benefits
If you find a good company, or negotiate, the possibility of family-wide benefits is available. Having this is a major selling point for most, as one large part of feeling that job security— is having access to quality healthcare. Especially if you have a family to consider.
It’s something new every day
Sure, you’re always on the road— but it’s ever-changing. if you crave a career that isn’t monotonous work behind a desk, this is the opposite of that. New cities, new people, new sites to see— it’s not half bad if you enjoy the change.
You can get trained up and ready to go pretty quickly
Courses might range in length, but ultimately— you can become licensed in as little as 8 weeks if you’d like. There’s a lot to learn, but if you apply yourself— it’s a career path that you can begin with a little more immediacy than some other paths.
Feb 7, 2018 | Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Being a truck driver is hard work. You have to pay much closer attention to the road conditions, you have to accommodate for unprepared drivers, you have to maintain logs… And, not to mention, you’re usually doing all of this as you sleep in the cab away from your family. Being a truck driver is a challenge. One that many people would never even consider. But, because of that, most people never learn how to drive around tractor trailers. In short, a lot of people are just plain inconsiderate of trucks, and the people behind the wheel. So, it’s pretty easy to feel a little road rage because of those around you.
But, because of your vehicle, you don’t have the same luxury of making those passive aggressive moves that your counterparts do so often. So, how do you keep cool? And how do you maintain road rage when it feels like too much to handle?
Managing Road Rage: Why You Should Cool Your Jets Around Dumb Drivers
It’s distracting
First things first, wasting your energy being angry is a huge distraction from the road way. You’re likely taking your eyes off the road ahead to give them a glare, and in doing so— you put yourself and others at risk. You can be angry, but keep your windows up and your eyes forward. I know that’s not what you want to hear— but you and I both know that wasting your energy being angry is tiring and takes your focus off of potential roadway hazards.
It’s tiring
As we said, wasting your energy being upset at that driver who cut you off is exhausting. Driving a tractor trailer is already exhausting. You’re sleeping conditions are pretty rough, you’re driving in all odd hours of the day and night, and you’re conquering hundreds and thousands of miles. Your job could text the patience and will of any old everyday Joe. But, taking that anger out on an ignorant driver will only cause more of a headache in the long run, considering you have ten more factors than they do to consider while driving.
So, how can I fight it?
There are always going to be ill-points. There are for any driver, and you’re human. But, the problem is, you have a lot more at stake than a typical driver. No one wants to get into an accident, but it does happen every day. A minor fender bender is a headache, and a lot to deal with— but ultimately, everyone typically walks away in the end. Unfortunately, you don’t have the same luxury at your fingertips. Instead, you’ve got tons of cargo and heavy metal that keeps you from being able to retaliate in any way whatsoever.
So, laugh it off and turn on some upbeat music
Maybe grab a coffee while you’re at it. The best thing you can do is find ways to stay calm and collected. The best driver of any sort is one that can adjust to road conditions, and let the little things go. Find what gives you that inner peace and tap into it. But don’t ‘zen out’ too hard— we need you buddy. Pull over and take a nap, find that happy music, or make up songs about the driver. Do what you’ve gotta do to shake it off and move forward. Managing road rage is tough, but you’ve got this.
Apr 5, 2017 | Car Accidents, Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Uncategorized, Wrongful Death
Because of continued changes in technology, the latest craze is all about self-driving cars. Predictably, the experts say the end of driving by humans is near. And of course there will be no more accidents. But just how realistic are either of these most recent tales of the future?
So Will Self-Driving Cars End All Accidents
Not surprisingly, distracted driving remains the main cause of fatal car accidents. Because 90% of accidents result from human error, self-driving cars could potentially solve this problem. However, driving habits take time to change. In addition, young drivers want the freedom and thrill of actually driving. So do some of us older folks.
Here is the problem. As long as both self-driving and human-driven cars on the road, the problem will continue. Hence, the human factor is still there. Maybe there will be fewer crashes based on more self-driving cars. Only time will tell.
Other Safety Issues
While car driving may be safer, what if passengers feel safer and stop using their seat belts? In addition, pedestrians may rely on safety technology and take more chances. After all, they think the vehicle’s computers will stop the car and save them. Like I taught my children when they started driving, trust your own instincts. And always give yourself plenty of time and room in case something on the car fails. Hence the emphasis on mechanical failure. Regardless, this issue will be litigated and regulated because this generation is used to driving on their own. After all, people also did not like mandatory seat belt or child car seat laws. Yet now we know these changes have saved countless lives.
While the future may be bright, we are still on guard for now. So if a human behind the wheel causes you harm, call us for help. While we hope you never need our services, we will be there if you do. You have our word, and we have your back.
Mar 7, 2017 | Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Personal Injury, Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Uncategorized
While everyone knows about texting and driving, here’s something the phone makers could do.
Texting While Driving Dangers
Because we already know the dangers, this blog won’t remind you of the obvious. And it appears older adults are actually worse than teenagers this time. However, despite new laws and harsher penalties, people still keep texting and driving. Rather, no matter what, we just can’t seem to stop ourselves. So what else is there to do? While there are many ideas out there, here is one that actually would seem to work.
Technology Solutions and “Drivers Mode”
Currently, I own two vehicles. While I still love my 12 year old Lexus, it still has a cassette player. Certainly, it is “old school” but still rides like a dream. And if I have my key on me, it unlocks the doors as I approach. For years, I thought this was pretty fancy stuff. However, I recently bought a new Chevy truck which is pretty amazing. Now, once I plug in my phone, most things are by voice command. Furthermore, the truck resets most functions including BlueTooth and streaming music. So why not set my phone to “drivers mode” that would stop any texting while in motion? After all, technology already prevents other activities in the car. Finally, we may have a solution to stop ourselves.
In addition to serious personal injury claims, our firm also defends DUI charges. As part of that practice, we have learned the many physical and mental divided tasks needed to drive. Consequently, there are studies that show texting is actually more dangerous than driving impaired. While I initially questioned those findings, I now agree. Why? Because someone knows they are not safe, they at least try to focus on driving. However, people texting think they are fine and look away for “just a few seconds.” However, at highway speeds, they can go several hundred yards down the road without looking. And that’s when very bad things can happen. Consequently, lives are changed forever in an instant. Sadly, it’s too late then.
Dec 18, 2014 | Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Uncategorized
Commercial Truck Accident Liability Insurance | How Much is Needed for Injuries Caused
Whether you drive a car or a big rig, tractor trailer truck, you have to carry liability insurance. It’s the law. The only question is how much. Every state has minimum limits but can vary significantly. For example, here in South Carolina, the minimum amount required is $25,000 / $50,000. In North Carolina, by comparison, the minimum insurance necessary is $30,000 / $60,000. The first figure is how much coverage is available for any one injured party. The second number is how much coverage is available in total, no matter how many individuals are involved.
Semi trucks are heavily regulated by both federal and state laws. Currently, the minimum truck accident liability insurance required for a commercial truck is $750,000. There was a bill introduced by Representative Cartwright seeking to dramatically increase that coverage. If passed, the new minimum limit would be $4.4 million. That is quite an increase which Congressman Cartwright asserts is justified as the current level has not changed in over 34 years. It is expected that such proposal will be fiercely debated by trucking companies and the trucking industry at large. There are interesting arguments on both sides of this issue. Certainly, as tractor trailer accident attorneys, we see the immense harm that an overloaded truck in conjunction with an overly tired driver can cause. In many serious accident cases, there is insufficient insurance coverage available. However, on the other hand, such a dramatic increase in premiums will have the unintended effect of forcing many small trucking companies and/or independent owner/operators out of business altogether. More disturbingly, the fear is that maintenance and other costs will have to be offset to pay for any required increase in insurance. This potential outcome could make the roads even more dangerous with overloaded trucks with less maintenance. There is never an easy answer, but this issue clearly needs to be addressed and intelligently considered. We certainly place our hope and trust in our elected officials to make the best decisions for the right reasons.
