The Hidden Dangers of Unethical Trucking Industry Practices in Queens

In the U.S. alone, over 120,000 trucks have been involved in accidents that led to injuries. Truck accidents frequently cause severe injuries, property damage, and death. You might have seen big trucks on hectic Queens streets, highways, and bridges. Even though nearly all truck owners follow the rules, some businesses and drivers are unethical and place everybody at risk.

Reasons Trucking Accidents Happen in Queens

Queens is among New York City’s busiest boroughs. Because of so much traffic, a tiny error can cause a significant accident. Some trucking companies cut corners to save money, putting other drivers, pedestrians, and vehicles in harm’s way.

In case you or someone you know was involved in a truck accident, you might require legal assistance. Queens truck accident lawyers can assist you in understanding your rights and also obtain the compensation you deserve. But wouldn’t it be better if these accidents could be prevented to begin with?

Consider some unsafe trucking industry practices that put lives at risk.

Overworked and Tired Drivers

Truck drivers normally have tight deadlines. Some companies make them drive long hours without rest. While federal laws limit driving hours, not all companies comply. A tired driver is as deadly as a drunk driver.

When somebody is exhausted, their reaction time slows down, and they might lose control over their truck. In an area such as Queens, where traffic is unpredictable, a fatigued truck driver could cause an accident in a split second.

Poorly Maintained Trucks

Trucking companies are meant to inspect and maintain their vehicles routinely. But some companies skip maintenance to save cash. Brakes fail, worn out tires, and jammed steering wheels; imagine traveling close to an 18-wheeler in Queens and its brakes break down.

That is a nightmare nobody would like to endure.

Overloaded Trucks

Trucks have weight limits. An overloaded truck is tougher to manage and more likely to tip over on curves or during stops. However, some companies overfill trucks to carry more goods on fewer trips despite the rules.

Overloaded trucks can be a hazard as the excess load can make it difficult to control the vehicle, making even simple maneuvers, such as turning the vehicle, a hazard.

Distracted and Reckless Driving

Just like automobile drivers, truck drivers can become distracted. Some use phones, check GPS, or eat while driving. Others speed or change lanes unsafely to accommodate tight schedules.

In a traffic-jam-ridden city like Queens, where traffic rules are already tough to enforce, reckless truck driving can be deadly.

Unqualified or Poorly Trained Drivers

Driving a large truck requires special skills. However, some trucking businesses employ novice or untrained drivers to save money. These drivers might not know how to handle poor road conditions, bad weather, or heavy city traffic.

If a truck driver does not know how to react in an emergency, the consequences can be devastating.

How Can You Stay Safe?

You cannot control how trucking businesses operate, but you can protect yourself:

• Be aware of blind spots – Trucks have blind spots on the sides and rear. Avoid driving too close to them.
• Keep a safe distance – Trucks take longer to stop; don’t cut them off or follow too closely.
• Watch for turning trucks – Big trucks need room to turn. Give them space to avoid a dangerous situation.
• Report dangerous trucks – If you spot a dangerous or negligent driver, report it to the authorities.

Final Thoughts

Trucking is the backbone of the U.S. economy, but unethical practices can kill people. Unsafe trucking practices make things worse in Queens, where traffic is already tough. If you or someone close to you is hurt in a truck accident, you deserve to know your rights.

Seeking help from experienced truck accident lawyers can enormously impact obtaining justice and compensation. More importantly, awareness might stop accidents before they occur. By staying informed and driving responsibly, you can protect yourself and others from unethical trucking practices.

Stay alert and safe!

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