While truck driving accidents in California occur for a range of reasons, driver behavior can often predict future crashes. Thanks to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), predicting which types of commercial truck drivers pose a threat to their fellow drivers may become easier.
Top five behaviors correlating to accidents
One of the greatest ways to predict the likelihood of a future crash involves looking at the driver behaviors that demonstrate a refusal to follow the basic traffic laws. The following truck driver behaviors increase chances of future commercial vehicle accidents the most:
- Failure to yield
- Failure to use signals correctly
- Previous auto crashes
- Reckless driving
- Failure to obey warning lights
Reckless driving considerations
Since reckless driving increases the chances of a truck driver causing a commercial accident, you should understand what activities may qualify as reckless driving.
According to California Vehicle Code 23103, reckless driving displays a “wanton disregard” for other people or property. Any time a trucker engages in an activity that they know poses a risk of significant harm, they demonstrate a “wanton disregard.”
Specific examples of reckless driving include:
- Engaging in a race
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Disregarding lanes
- Tailgating
- Not driving in the correct part of the road
- Texting while driving
- Making illegal passes of other vehicles
Additional predictors of commercial truck accidents
Other driver behaviors that may increase the likelihood of a commercial truck accident include:
- Disqualified driver
- False logs
- Speeding
- Improper turns
- Weight violations
- Hours of service violation
While any vehicle accident can result in injury, commercial truck accidents often result in life-long injuries or even death. All drivers are responsible for doing everything they can to prevent these accidents. Courts may hold truck drivers whose behaviors cause commercial truck accidents financially and criminally responsible. If you or someone you know has been involved in a trucking accident, please contact The Law Office of Aman N. Shah now to discuss your rights.
