Our economy heavily relies on large industrial trucks to transport essential goods such as fuel, food and beverages, supplies, and so much more. Big rig, semi-truck, trailer – whatever you choose to call them – large truck safety continues to be a challenge.
On the Road
Long-haul truckers tend to drive huge distances and work very long hours. Due to the risks associated with these long hours and distances, accidents happen. And when an accident happens that involves a large truck, the damage and injuries associated can be disastrous and even fatal. In fact, according to consumernotice.org, even though large trucks only account for four percent of vehicles on the road, they are involved in ten percent of highway deaths. Unfortunately, this poses a danger to both truck drivers and innocent occupants of other vehicles alike.
The most common driving risks associated with long-haul truck drivers are drowsiness, distracted or careless driving, and speeding. Trucking accidents can certainly be prevented, though! Here are some ways that truckers can avoid crashes and associated injuries:
- Get enough sleep
- Pull over if starting to feel drowsy
- Stay focused on the road
- Follow safety laws and pass with care
- Stay on top of truck maintenance
- Buckle up!
Off the Road
Not only can trucking pose a danger to truck drivers and bystanders on the road, but there are a plethora of other situations in the trucking industry that can cause injury and even death. Here are some of the most common injuries in the trucking industry that can occur around the warehouse, work yard, customer site, or in/near the cab or trailer:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Strains and sprains
- Getting struck by or against an object
The majority of these types of injuries are caused by:
- Overexertion
- Loading/unloading and material handling
- Exiting the cab or trailer unsafely
- Tarping and strapping a load
By ensuring staff is adequately trained and practicing proper safety procedures, many of these risks and injuries can easily be avoided. If you or someone you know in Washington has been injured as a trucker or by a trucker, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jacobs and Jacobs for a complimentary consultation.
