Utah has some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever see, but unfortunately, it also has some of the deadliest roads in the country. For example, Utah has the third-highest highway fatality rate in the U.S. and an average of 3,600 serious injuries each year due to traffic collisions—most of which involve commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Here are five reasons truck accidents in Utah are so common and increasing and how you can avoid becoming one of these statistics by practicing safe driving when sharing the road with large commercial vehicles.
- High Number of Trucks on Utah’s Roads
Utah is home to one of the largest trucking networks in the country. As a result, more trucks are on the roads than ever before, which means drivers have an increased chance of being involved in a truck accident. Furthermore, while it’s true that other types of vehicle accidents are also on the rise, truck accidents are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes because of their size and momentum! In Utah, about 25%of the vehicles on the road are large trucks due to the high concentration of industries such as mining, oil production, food processing, and construction.
With so many trucks on the roads – combined with distracted driving and aggressive driving – truck accidents are at an all-time high in Utah. However, if you suffer from injury from a truck accident in Utah, you can contact Salt Lake City truck accident attorneys to take care of everything for you. They’ll support your entire case, including settlement negotiations and expert witnesses who can testify on your behalf.
- Drivers’ Fatigue
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving is responsible for 1 out of 25 fatal crashes. Drivers who have had less than six hours of sleep in the last 24 hours are at four times greater risk of causing a crash or near-crash event. And, on average, drivers who don’t get enough sleep are 6% slower to react to brake lights or other vehicles braking in front of them — that’s about the same as if they were intoxicated.
Long working hours also mean more opportunities for fatigue-related accidents. Researchers have also found that truckers with long work days faced a higher risk of crashing when compared with truckers who worked shorter shifts. However, if you find yourself involved in a trucking accident, contacting an experienced truck accident lawyer is crucial since such cases can be complex and challenging.
- Utah’s Growing Population and Traffic
The population of Utah has continued to grow, hence the number of people on the roads. More traffic creates more collisions between vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Many drivers are frustrated by increased traffic congestion and construction work that has been happening recently. These causes of accidents have all contributed to an increase in truck accidents in Utah.
However, it’s crucial to note that the UDOT motor carrier division monitors crash data for trucks across the state and plays a vital role in driver education programs to help reduce crashes. It is also essential for people driving in Utah to be aware of their surroundings at all times and avoid getting into unsafe situations. However, if you find yourself in a truck accident for whatever reason, contacting an experienced lawyer can help you find peace of mind.
- The Interstate 15 in Utah
One of the reasons truck accidents in Utah are on the rise is due to the increased number of trucks on Interstate 15. Interstate 15 is a central transportation corridor between Nevada and Arizona on one side and California and Idaho on the other. It’s no surprise that this stretch of highway sees so many trucks traveling back and forth. Road users on this route are experiencing high traffic of truckers as this corridor becomes busier.
Trucks require a lot of space, but often other drivers may not understand how much room these large vehicles need. However, being aware of your surroundings while driving along interstate 15 and other main roads is essential to protect yourself against potential accidents. If one does happen, remember to contact a reliable truck accident lawyer.
- Mistakes By Truckers
When it comes to trucking, there are a lot of mistakes that can cause severe accidents. Some of the most common ones include speeding, driving when experiencing fatigue, driving too many hours in a day, and not paying attention to blind spots. Truckers have much more time on the road than car drivers. However, they must be cautious with the safety of other motorists and their cargo.
Truckers should also ensure to get plenty of sleep and exercise while on the job so they can stay alert while operating their vehicle. If a driver is tired or weary, they should pull over at a rest stop and take time for themselves. All drivers must keep themselves safe by always being mindful of what’s happening around them and how fast they’re going.
Conclusion
The number and severity of truck accidents in Utah have increased over the past few years. That is mainly due to many factors, including increased population and traffic, more goods transported, new roads built, and long work hours. However, there are many ways to help prevent these crashes from happening. For example, drivers should stay alert while on the road to avoid driving at night or while sleepy. However, contacting a truck accident attorney immediately for guidance and legal representation is vital if you suffer injuries in a trucking accident.
