I-85 Accident Details
According to a recent article published by WBTV.com, on March 21, a tractor-trailer drove off I-85 and rolled down an embankment near Exit 20 in Gastonia, North Carolina. Police reports claim that the Florida driver was driving on I-85 in heavy rain. He was not able to slow down in time to avoid a fender-bender ahead of him. The police cited the truck driver for driving too fast for conditions and failure to maintain lane control. Both are common, but potentially costly errors.
The trucking industry in our country is a vital component of the U.S. economy. According to the American Trucking Association, “Nearly 71% of all freight tonnage in the U.S. moves on the back of trucks.” The association goes on to say that moving 10.5 billion tons of freight annually requires more than 3.6 million trucks. And that means our country alone needs 3.5 million truck drivers. CDL, a training company for truck drivers, says, “The Large Truck Fatal Crash Rate has steadily declined by 74% from 1980 to 2014. However, there are still 500,000 truck accidents every year, although only approximately 16% of those are caused by truck driver fault.”
Driving Too Fast and Other Truck Driver Errors
Common truck driver errors usually include fatigue, drug and alcohol use, blind spots, distracted drivers and those driving too fast. The size and force of a heavy truck hitting a car can be catastrophic. Luckily, there were no injuries in the I-85 tractor-trailer case. But, it’s a reminder for all to drive safely in hazardous conditions, especially tractor-trailers on the highway.
Call HPS Law Today
If you have questions regarding a truck accident, contact HS Law today. The first consultation is absolutely free. Call 404-400-1175 to discuss your options.
