Serious accidents involving semi-trucks and big trailers happen any day in Missouri. However, statistics show that there is a specific day in a week when accidents happen the most. According to these statistics, most accidents happen on Tuesdays. Here is a short overview of truck accidents and their causes in Missouri.
Table of Contents
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
The leading causes of accidents involving trucks include the following:
- Driver errors, like over-speeding, inattentiveness, and tailgating
- Equipment failure. According to the FMCSA in Missouri, more trucking companies allow faulty vehicles to operate on the road, causing unsafe situations.
- Fatigue. Some of these accidents are due to fatigue when the driver does not rest when they are supposed to. Therefore, they push themselves to work in dangerous situations when they are fatigued.
- Some trucking companies fail to vet their drivers before hiring them. They don’t provide adequate training to ensure their drivers are ready for the road. Therefore, inexperienced and unqualified drivers also cause crashes.
When Do Truck Accidents Happen Most?
Most of these crashes happen during weekdays when there are many trailers transporting items. According to statistics, Tuesdays seem to be the day of the week when most accidents happen. Statistics show that between 2011 and 2020, more than 23,000 trucks were involved in accidents on Tuesdays in Missouri. In 10 years, around 195 fatal truck accidents have happened on Tuesdays.
Friday is another fateful day, even though the number of accidents is not higher than Tuesday. The assumption of Fridays falling behind Tuesdays is that drivers have been at work throughout the week and fighting fatigue. They are looking forward to getting home for the weekend to relax or do what they like best. This makes Fridays the second-most Fatal Tuesdays of the week when most truck accidents happen.
Where Do They Happen?
Missouri State Highway Patrol states that in 2020, more than a quarter of the accidents happened on interstates. Interstates and highways record the highest number of accidents due to the high-speed limits. The high limits could be the reason for the fatal accidents. Counties like New Madrid, Scotland, Mercer, Gentry, Carroll, etc., in Missouri, recorded the highest fatality rates of truck accidents in 2020.
Measures Taken to Mitigate Truck Accidents in Missouri
Missouri has set a law that a person must be 18 years and above to drive in Missouri. They must also be 21 years old to drive a tractor or trailer. Every driver must also have a valid license and meet medical requirements to be registered as fit to go.
Reporting reckless drivers is also encouraged in Missouri to make the roads safe. You can reach the Missouri Highway Patrol through 911 to report the incident. You will need to give the truck’s license plate number and location. You can also provide the name of the trucking firm if the trailer is a commercial one.
Takeaways
These are details of why truck accidents happen and where and when they occur in Missouri. Accidents can happen anywhere and any day. Therefore, drivers have a role in keeping the roads safe by being responsible. Other drivers should know that maneuvering a truck is more complex than a regular vehicle. Therefore, there should be enough room for heavy vehicles.
