Trucks cause more severe accidents on roadways simply because of their size compared to other passenger vehicles. In 2020, 818 semi drivers were involved in accidents that claimed the lives of 54 people in New Jersey, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For this reason, it is important to speak up if you see a truck driver swerving out of their lane, as one false move could put the lives of countless motorists in jeopardy.
Why Should You Report a Truck Driver Who Is Swerving?
To understand why the situation could be dangerous, let’s look at some of the reasons a truck driver might be swerving:
Fatigue: A driver could be pushing the limits on the amount of time spent behind the wheel to get a load delivered on time or to get back home. Although truck drivers are required by law to limit their driving to 11 hours per day after 10 hours off duty, not everyone follows the rules. This means a driver might be breaking more laws than you think and could be putting themselves and others at risk by trying to beat the clock. As fatigue sets in, reaction times may begin to slow and cause a delay in the ability to stop in time to avoid a potential collision or other dangers. Additionally, a truck driver who nods off behind the wheel is undoubtedly a potential for disaster that could include injury to themselves or others or even death.
Distracted Driving: As the number one cause of accidents on roads, truck drivers are not immune to distracted driving. Whether they are checking their phone, fiddling with dashboard instruments, or attempting to locate a drop-off location for a load, there are numerous reasons why their attention may not be focused on the road ahead of them. Unfortunately, swerving in a semi even slightly can cause disastrous chain-reaction accidents that could impact more than one driver at once. Additionally, attempting to overcorrect mistakes and swerving yet again sometimes causes more anguish to passing motorists than intended.
Substance Abuse: Like fatigue, the effects of drugs and alcohol have an impact on reaction times and the ability to judge distances safely. Although it is illegal for anyone to use mind-altering drugs and alcohol before driving, the impact on a truck driver could be lethal. In fact, truck drivers are known to use stimulants to be able to drive longer distances. However, the “crash” in one’s body that occurs once the drug wears off is just as dangerous as the one a truck driver can cause on a road with their inability to remain alert.
Improperly Loaded Cargo: With everyone’s safety quite literally riding on the fact that a load is safely secured, there is always a possibility that it is not. Whether tie-downs fail, the load is over capacity, or it shifts during transport, an unsecured load could spell big trouble for the driver and those around them.
What Should I Do if I Spot a Truck Driver Swerving?
If you encounter a truck driver operating their vehicle erratically or a situation that just does not look right, slow down to put enough distance between the vehicles. Use the time to get the license plate number and any other identifying features, such as the name of the company and truck ID number. If possible, you may want to speed up and pass them to leave them safely behind. Once you have safely exited the road, call the police and report the last known location as well as any information you gathered. Finally, the incident should be reported to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or PennDOT.
Fight Back Against Careless Truck Drivers With Help from the Somerville Truck Accident Lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P.
If you have been involved in an accident caused by a swerving truck driver, talk to the Somerville truck accident lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. Whether you have a case to pursue or not, we can help you weigh your options. Call 732-247-3600 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our offices in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Manalapan, New Jersey proudly serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.
