5 Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in the Midwest

Maggie Bloom
4 min readJun 3, 2024

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With its vast highway and interstate system, the Midwest is one of the country’s main hubs for logistics and trucking. Although semi-trucks are necessary for moving cargo around this area, they also provide serious traffic hazards. Developing methods to reduce semi-truck accidents and enhance road safety in the Midwest can be facilitated by having a thorough understanding of the frequent causes of these incidents. This article examines five common causes of these mishaps and suggests some possible fixes.

Weather Conditions

Semi-truck accidents can be greatly influenced by the harsh and erratic weather patterns that are common in the Midwest. Wintertime driving conditions are dangerous because of slippery roads, snowstorms, and decreased visibility. Because of their size and weight, trucks are more difficult to maneuver in slick weather, which increases the risk of skidding, jackknifing, or losing control. The Midwest has severe rain, thick fog, and tornadoes in addition to winter weather. Rainy roads cause tires to lose grip, and fog may drastically restrict vision, making it harder for truck drivers to notice other cars and objects in the road. Truck drivers need to be well-versed in managing bad weather in order to decrease these dangers.

Driver Fatigue

Not only in the Midwest but around the country, semi-truck accidents are frequently caused by fatigued drivers. Due to their hectic schedules, long-haul truck drivers frequently travel for lengthy periods without getting enough rest. Fatigue reduces one’s capacity for quick thinking, making decisions, and staying attentive in general, which raises the possibility of accidents. In order to fight driver weariness, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has put in place laws that restrict driving hours and require rest stops. However, drivers may push over these boundaries due to financial incentives and pressure from strict delivery dates. By enforcing adherence to hours-of-service laws, providing rest places, and encouraging a culture that puts security above speed, trucking businesses may put their drivers’ well-being first.

Distracted Driving

All kinds of vehicles are becoming more and more concerned about distracted driving, and semi-trucks constitute an exception. Several different things can divert your attention, such as eating, using a GPS gadget, turning on the radio, or using a cell phone. With the immense weight and size of semi-trucks, even a little distraction can have disastrous results. Trucking businesses should enforce stringent regulations prohibiting the use of handheld devices while operating a vehicle and promote the adoption of hands-free technology as a solution to this problem. Training courses must stress the risks associated with inattentive driving and recommend safe driving techniques. Furthermore, lane departure alerts and collision avoidance systems, two examples of sophisticated automated driver assistance systems (ADAS), can be very helpful in lowering the number of accidents brought on by distracted drivers.

Improper Loading

One of the main causes of accidents is trucks that are either overloaded or improperly loaded. Cargo that is not securely secured or distributed may move while in transit, resulting in rollovers, loss of control, or even spills. In addition to putting undue strain on a truck’s technical components, including the tires and brakes, overloading can raise the chance of failure. When it comes to loading and securing goods, the FMCSA has precise guidelines that must be closely followed. Trucking businesses have to make sure that their employees are knowledgeable about these rules and know how important it is to load vehicles properly. Frequent cargo inspections, both before and during transportation, can assist in locating and resolving any loading problems.

Mechanical Failures

Semi-truck accidents are frequently caused by mechanical issues such as tire blowouts, engine faults, and braking difficulties. To avoid these problems, prompt repairs and routine maintenance are essential. However, some trucking businesses could overlook adequate vehicle maintenance owing to cost-cutting efforts or scheduling difficulties. For all trucking firms, preventative maintenance ought to be a top priority. The likelihood of mechanical breakdowns may be greatly decreased with routine inspections, planned maintenance, and timely repairs. Pre- and post-trip inspections are important skills for drivers to have in order to spot possible problems before they cause an accident. Fleet management software makes it easier to keep track of maintenance plans and guarantee that every vehicle is maintained to the highest standard. If you are involved in such an incident, consulting with a semi-truck accident lawyer in Colorado can help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Conclusion

A number of things, such as inclement weather, driver weariness, distracted driving, incorrect loading, and technical issues, can cause semi-truck accidents in the Midwest. A complex strategy, including driver education, strict adherence to laws, routine vehicle maintenance, and the application of cutting-edge safety technology, is needed to address these issues. The trucking sector can lower accident rates, improve road user safety, and guarantee the safe and effective delivery of commodities throughout the Midwest by recognizing and reducing these hazards.

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Maggie Bloom
Maggie Bloom

Written by Maggie Bloom

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Maggie graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in communication and writing. In her spare time, she loves to dance, read, and bake. She also enjoys

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