The interstate highways that crisscross North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia are vital arteries of commerce, carrying millions of commercial trucks each year. Interstate 85 connects the major cities of Atlanta, Greenville, Charlotte, and the Research Triangle. Interstate 77 runs from Charlotte through Columbia. Interstate 95 is the primary north-south route along the East Coast. While these highways are essential to the regional economy, they are also the sites of hundreds of serious truck accidents every year.
Leading Causes of Interstate Truck Accidents
Driver Fatigue
As discussed in detail in our other articles, driver fatigue remains one of the top causes of truck accidents on interstate highways. The long, monotonous stretches of interstate driving are particularly conducive to drowsiness, and drivers who have been behind the wheel for many hours may experience microsleep episodes that last just long enough to cause a catastrophic collision.
Excessive Speed
Commercial trucks require significantly more distance to stop than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling at 65 miles per hour needs approximately 525 feet, or nearly two football fields, to come to a complete stop. When truck drivers exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions, they dramatically increase the risk of a rear-end collision, rollover, or jackknife.
Distracted Driving
Despite federal regulations prohibiting commercial truck drivers from texting or using handheld phones while driving, distracted driving remains a significant problem. GPS devices, dispatching systems, food and drinks, and even paperwork are common distractions in the cab of a commercial truck.
Improper Loading
Cargo that is improperly loaded, overweight, or inadequately secured can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable. An improperly loaded trailer can lead to rollovers, jackknife accidents, and cargo spills that create hazardous conditions for other drivers.
Mechanical Failures
Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering system malfunctions, and other mechanical problems are disturbingly common in the trucking industry. Many of these failures can be traced back to inadequate maintenance, deferred repairs, or defective parts. Federal regulations require regular inspections and maintenance, but compliance is not universal.
Weather and Road Conditions
The Southeast experiences a range of weather conditions that can make interstate driving hazardous for large trucks, including heavy rain, fog, ice, and high winds. While experienced truck drivers should know how to adjust their driving for these conditions, many fail to slow down or increase following distance when visibility or traction is reduced.
What to Do After a Truck Accident on an Interstate
If you are involved in a truck accident on an interstate highway, your immediate priority should be safety. Move to the shoulder or a safe location if possible and call 911. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. If you are able, document the scene with photographs and collect the truck driver's information, the trucking company's name, and any witness contact information.
It is also critical to contact an experienced trucking accident attorney as soon as possible. Interstate truck accidents often involve complex jurisdictional issues, multiple potentially liable parties, and time-sensitive evidence that must be preserved before it is lost or destroyed.
Contact Dr. Ted Injury Law
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling truck accident cases on the major interstates of the Southeast. We serve clients throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Call (800) 555-HURT for a free consultation.