How Can Commercial Drivers Avoid Collisions at Night?

Navigating big rigs in traffic is challenging even when conditions are perfect. Unfortunately, the risk of a devastating accident only increases in heavy congestion, poor weather, and reduced visibility.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 4,000 buses and large trucks were involved in fatal collisions in 2015. Although some of these crashes were solely the result of driver error, many of them were caused by various external factors including the conditions listed above.

According to the National Safety Council, the risk of a fatal wreck is three times higher at night because of reduced visibility. Since truckers work long hours, they often drive well after the sun has set, and they have an obligation to exercise additional caution when doing so.

If you were hurt in a truck accident at night, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Turn to the Cooper Law Firm to discuss your case and determine the most strategic way to proceed.

Attorney N. Eric Cooper helps clients throughout east Texas. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Canton.

Read on to learn how commercial drivers can avoid collisions when driving at night:

1. Maintain Their Vehicles 

Dirty windshields and burned out headlights can pose considerable hazards when driving at night. If a trucker fails to maintain the vehicle while on the road—or the motor carrier fails to maintain it between trips—the transport company could be liable in the event of a crash.

2. Undergo Regular Eye Exams

It is natural for vision to deteriorate with age, and this includes the ability to see clearly in dim light. Commercial drivers who wear corrective eyewear or are at risk of certain eye health issues should undergo an annual eye exam. Those who do not have any vision problems should visit their optometrist once every two years.

3. Slow Down 

When motorists have reduced visibility, they have less time to respond to hazards that arise. As a result, it is essential to slow down when driving at night. This applies to everyone who gets behind the wheel after the sun has set, and not just truckers.

4. Dim the Dash

Bright lights inside the cab are more than just a minor distraction. Navigation devices, cell phones, and glowing dashboards can project reflections on the windshield and produce ambient light that ultimately inhibits night vision. When traveling on dark roads, commercial drivers should dim their dashboard and avoid engaging with devices that emit light.

Although the above tips can help reduce devastating wrecks, motorists cannot rely on truckers to exercise caution at every turn. If you were hurt in a catastrophic collision with a reckless driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages.

Contact the Cooper Law Firm today to start building your personal injury claim with the help of a Canton truck accident attorney. Attorney N. Eric Cooper is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the Gregg County Bar Association.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation. You can learn more about truck accidents in Texas by visiting the USAttorneys website.