Since Ohio is centrally located in the United States, it is common for large trucks to pass through the state on a regular basis. Drivers of passenger vehicles who share the road with trucks are justified if they are intimidated by the size of these trucks. Collisions with these trucks can cause serious injuries and fatalities. Because the roads are becoming increasingly dangerous, it is important for lawmakers to find solutions.
A plan is in place for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to compile information regarding how distracted driving is impacting truck safety. The agency says that it intends to research the factors that lead to truck accidents. In addition, systems that are placed in vehicles to measure the speed at which trucks are traveling, track if they are drifting into other lanes, and record when drivers hit the brakes hard will be part of the study. The goal is to determine where the main problems are and take steps to address them, to help make the roads safer.
The most recent such study took place from 2001 to 2003. It found that driver action or inaction caused the vast majority of collisions. The FMSCA says that technological advancements, new safety innovations, how drivers behave, and the design of the roads have changed substantially since that study was completed, impacting how drivers perform.
Truck crashes can do major damage to those involved. It can change their lives in myriad ways if they survive the accident with medical expenses, problems getting back to work, the inability to take an active part in their family, and other consequences. If there is a fatality, the family left behind must consider how they will deal with the unexpected and unnecessary loss of life. To recover compensation, a lawsuit might be needed. A firm that understands all aspects of truck accidents can be crucial to a case. Calling for advice might be key to a successful claim.