Texas drivers may see increased numbers of big rigs on the road
The number of large trucks on the road may increase over the next decade due to an increase in the amount of freight tonnage and an improving American economy.
Although Texas drivers already share the road with big rigs on a daily basis, motorists may find increased numbers of tractor trailers crowding state freeways. The continued growth of the U.S economy may bring about an increased need for these massive vehicles. With more tractor trailers traveling alongside motor vehicles, some people are wondering whether the rate of large truck accidents, injuries and deaths will also increase.
Growth in freight tonnage
The American Trucking Association released a statement predicting a substantial growth in the amount of freight that will need to be distributed throughout the country. By 2025, freight tonnage is expected to grow by 23.5 percent. Furthermore, tractor trailers will continue to be the dominant form of transportation when it comes to delivering freight.
More truck drivers needed
There is currently a shortage of approximately 30,000 qualified truck drivers in America, according to a NBC News report. The trucking industry is struggling to keep up with increased freight loads and demanding deadlines. As freight loads continue to rise, trucking companies will need to hire nearly 100,000 new truckers each year.
Unfortunately, qualified truckers are hard to come by, as reported by Bloomberg News. Truck drivers are paid per mile and are forced to leave their families for significant periods of time. On top of that, the revised federal Hours of Service regulations reduced the amount of time truckers could spend behind the wheel at any given time, and issued mandatory resting periods. Many truck drivers are spending more time away from home and are getting paid less.
As a result of the truck driver shortage, some trucking companies have chosen to disregard certain federal regulations in order to meet deadlines and move more freight. Companies may employ drivers who have previous violations or are not fully trained to drive a tractor trailer. Companies that have increased the number of trucks in their fleet may fail to perform proper maintenance on the vehicles, which could lead to dangerous equipment malfunctions.
In 2012, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration removed 171,150 truck drivers from service because they were found driving with too many violations. That same year, more than 2.1 million large trucks were taken off of the roads after they had too many inspection violations as well. Negligent truck drivers and defective equipment on vehicles can lead to catastrophic truck accidents, which claim the lives of thousands of people every year.
Getting what you deserve
Drowsy, distracted, drunk or otherwise negligent truck drivers are responsible for causing thousands of truck accidents every year. Many of these collisions result in serious injuries, disabilities and death. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one because of truck driver or trucking company negligence, you may want to speak with an established attorney in Texas regarding your case.
Keywords: truck, accident, injury