According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), truck accidents caused approximately 155,000 injuries and 5,788 fatalities in 2021 alone. Truck drivers are expected to obey the rules of the road, make safety a top priority, and avoid unsafe or dangerous behavior at all times. Unfortunately, this does not always happen, which can result in devastating, yet preventable, truck accidents. The following are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Gloucester County and across the country:

• Distracted Driving: This is a common problem among all motorists. However, when a truck driver is reading a text message, talking on the phone, or reaching for something from the passenger seat, the consequences can be particularly catastrophic if there are other vehicles in the vicinity. 
• Speeding: Truck drivers have a responsibility to obey the speed limit and reduce their speed if road conditions become hazardous. In addition to violating the rules of the road, speeding can increase the severity of an accident due to the extreme force of impact. The resulting property damage and injuries are likely to be far more severe if the truck driver was driving too fast at the time of the accident.
• Impaired Driving: All motorists are prohibited from driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, the standards for intoxication are particularly strict for truck drivers. In New Jersey, a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered legally intoxicated for drivers who are 21 and older, whereas truck drivers holding a commercial driver’s license are considered legally impaired if they have a BAC of 0.04% or higher. 
• Drowsy Driving: This continues to be a problem among truck drivers for a number of reasons, including tight delivery deadlines, driving long and monotonous stretches of highway at night, and health issues resulting from a sedentary lifestyle. Studies have found that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving.
• Reckless Driving: This can include tailgating, speeding, changing lanes without signaling, and ignoring traffic signals. Any of these driving behaviors can have devastating consequences if there are other motorists on the road.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: In most cases, the truck driver is responsible for making sure that the truck is properly maintained. Worn tires, faulty brakes, and steering issues can cause serious truck accidents.
• Poor Cargo Loading: If the cargo is not properly loaded or secured, it can come loose while in transit. The sudden distribution of weight can make it difficult for the truck driver to maintain control of the vehicle. In extreme cases, the truck can tip over, particularly if the cargo comes loose while the truck driver is making a turn. If the cargo falls out of the back of the truck, it can hit other motorists on the road, which can cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities.