Truck accident risks around San Francisco
Cartwright - August 14, 2020 -
In San Francisco County alone, 15 fatalities were recorded between 2009 and 2013 in accidents involving large trucks.
In San Francisco and around California, news sources give reports of serious vehicle accidents involving tractor trailers and other large commercial vehicles abound. One example can be seen in a crash that happened in September of 2015, near Goshen, California. According to ABC30.com, two people were killed and another three injured. The accident was caused by a truck driver who did not slow down properly when approaching a construction zone, despite the posted warning signs leading up to the area.
The wee hours of a Sunday morning saw yet another fatal truck accident, this time on Interstate 80 in neighboring Nevada. According to KTVN.com, the trucker struck a guard rail and eventually his truck flipped. His passenger was ejected from the truck and died as a result.
How many fatalities result from truck accidents?
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates truck accidents are a serious problem in California. A total of 243 people died statewide in these crashes. In looking at records over the five-year period from 2009 to 2013, the following can be seen for the greater Bay area:
- In San Francisco County, 15 people died in large truck crashes.
- In Santa Clara County, 20 people died in large truck crashes.
- In Alameda County, 33 people died in large truck crashes.
- In Contra Costa County, 17 people died in large truck crashes.
- In Solano County, 14 people died in large truck crashes.
Another 25 lives were lost in Marin, San Mateo, Sonoma and Napa Counties. All together the number of deaths in these counties during this time was 124.
What are some common factors in these crashes?
Three factors known to impact many truck accidents are speed, driver fatigue and substance use. Business Insurance explains that some discussion is underway about possibly installing speed-monitoring devices in semi-trucks as a way to crack down on speeding among drivers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is hoping that newly completed research will lead to the reinstatement of an Hours of Service rule. Supply Chain Digest notes that the rule was put on hold by Congress until further information was collected. The goal of the rule is to reduce truck driver fatigue. JOC.com reports that the research results could be available soon.
The FMCSA is also close to launching a new process for monitoring substance use by new and existing drivers. The Commercial Carrier Journal notes that the process will include mandated testing and reporting as well as records reviews. As noted by Bulk Transporter, ongoing random driver substance tests will continue.
What more can be done?
Sadly, sometimes there is no way to prevent an accident from happening. That is when action must be taken. If you or your loved ones have been victims of a serious truck accident, contact our experienced truck accident attorneys today for immediate legal assistance.
In San Francisco County alone, 15 fatalities were recorded between 2009 and 2013 in accidents involving large trucks.
In San Francisco and around California, news sources give reports of serious vehicle accidents involving tractor trailers and other large commercial vehicles abound. One example can be seen in a crash that happened in September of 2015, near Goshen, California. According to ABC30.com, two people were killed and another three injured. The accident was caused by a truck driver who did not slow down properly when approaching a construction zone, despite the posted warning signs leading up to the area.
The wee hours of a Sunday morning saw yet another fatal truck accident, this time on Interstate 80 in neighboring Nevada. According to KTVN.com, the trucker struck a guard rail and eventually his truck flipped. His passenger was ejected from the truck and died as a result.
How many fatalities result from truck accidents?
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates truck accidents are a serious problem in California. A total of 243 people died statewide in these crashes. In looking at records over the five-year period from 2009 to 2013, the following can be seen for the greater Bay area:
- In San Francisco County, 15 people died in large truck crashes.
- In Santa Clara County, 20 people died in large truck crashes.
- In Alameda County, 33 people died in large truck crashes.
- In Contra Costa County, 17 people died in large truck crashes.
- In Solano County, 14 people died in large truck crashes.
Another 25 lives were lost in Marin, San Mateo, Sonoma and Napa Counties. All together the number of deaths in these counties during this time was 124.
What are some common factors in these crashes?
Three factors known to impact many truck accidents are speed, driver fatigue and substance use. Business Insurance explains that some discussion is underway about possibly installing speed-monitoring devices in semi-trucks as a way to crack down on speeding among drivers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is hoping that newly completed research will lead to the reinstatement of an Hours of Service rule. Supply Chain Digest notes that the rule was put on hold by Congress until further information was collected. The goal of the rule is to reduce truck driver fatigue. JOC.com reports that the research results could be available soon.
The FMCSA is also close to launching a new process for monitoring substance use by new and existing drivers. The Commercial Carrier Journal notes that the process will include mandated testing and reporting as well as records reviews. As noted by Bulk Transporter, ongoing random driver substance tests will continue.
What more can be done?
Sadly, sometimes there is no way to prevent an accident from happening. That is when action must be taken. If you or your loved ones have been victims of a serious truck accident, contact our experienced truck accident attorneys today for immediate legal assistance.
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