At the Hollingsworth Law Firm, our HoustonĀ truck accident and injury attorneysĀ know because of the size and weight differential between large trucks and passenger vehicles,Ā 72% of people killed in large-truck traffic crashes last year were occupants of other vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Unfortunately, this is one of the most dangerous times of year for these fatal crashes.
The National Safety CouncilĀ (NSC) reports over 32% of trucking accident fatalities occur between November and January. Closer to home, according to the NSC Injury Facts, TexasĀ leads the nation with the most deaths resulting from large truck crashes, accounting for 806 fatalities last year.
While the size of these vehicles contributes to the injuries and fatalities suffered by those in much smaller vehicles during collisions, the winter months see other preventable factors directly tied to these crashes.
Why Large Truck Accidents Increase During the Holidays
Several reasons contribute to the elevated risk of accidents involving commercial trucks during holidays:
- Increased Traffic Volume
The holiday season typically sees a surge in overall traffic as people travel to visit family and friends, go on vacations, or engage in holiday shopping. The higher volume of vehicles on the road increases the likelihood of commercial truck accidents.
- Delivery Demands
During the holidays, there is often an increased demand for goods and deliveries. Commercial trucks transporting these goods may be pressured to meet tight delivery schedules. This can lead to rushed driving and an increased risk of accidents.
- Adverse Weather Conditions
Winter holidays, in particular, may coincide with adverse weather conditions like rain, fog, and even the occasional ice or snowstorm in Texas. Commercial trucks, which are already more challenging to maneuver, can face additional difficulties in slippery or hazardous conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Driver Fatigue
Increased demand for deliveries during the holidays can result in longer working hours for truck drivers. Extended hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, which impairs reaction times and decision-making, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Inexperienced or Seasonal Drivers
Some commercial trucking companies may hire seasonal or temporary drivers to meet the holiday demand. Inexperienced or less familiar drivers may be at a higher risk of accidents, mainly if they are not accustomed to operating large trucks or navigating unfamiliar routes.
- Maintenance Challenges
The increased demand for deliveries may put additional strain on commercial trucks, potentially leading to maintenance issues. Inadequate maintenance can contribute to equipment failures, such as brake problems or tire blowouts, resulting in accidents.
- Distractions and Impaired Driving
Like other drivers, commercial truck drivers may face distractions during the holidays, such as festive decorations or the desire to connect with loved ones. Additionally, there may be an increased prevalence of impaired driving among all motorists during holiday celebrations.
Trucking companies need to prioritize safety, adhere to regulations, and provide proper training for drivers to address these challenges and reduce the risk of commercial truck accidents during the holidays. When the trucking company or truck driver is negligent in any capacity, we want to help our Texas residents hold the liable party ā or combination of parties ā responsible for their financial recovery.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Houston for Help
If you or someone you love has been injured or lost their life in a truck accident caused by negligence in Texas, contact our dedicated Houston personal injury lawyers at the Hollingsworth Law Firm today by calling (713)-637-4560 or contact us onlineĀ for a free case evaluation.
Our skilled bilingual personal injury lawyers and support staff represent clients throughout Texas on a contingency basis, so you never pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, so are we. Let us take the lead.
