Driving alongside or passing a huge commercial truck on a busy highway is always a bit scary. For one, a truck’s larger size and heavy load make it more prone to road accidents. 

Things become even more dangerous when big trucks are not regularly maintained. Truck inspections and preventative maintenance are vital for safe operation. When trucking companies neglect this responsibility, it can lead to terrible consequences.

For instance, a lack of maintenance can lead to underride accidents. These crashes involve smaller vehicles sliding underneath a truck, usually a tanker or semi-trailer. 

New regulations from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) require trailers and semi-trailers to have rear impact guards. These regulations can help prevent underride accidents. However, the compliance deadline is only June 2025, and in the meantime, several trucks still take to the roads without these guards. 

Why Truck Accidents Happen

There are several reasons why truck accidents happen, including a lack of maintenance. For instance, when a truck’s brakes are worn and not replaced, they increase stopping distances, making it difficult for a truck driver to avoid a collision. 

If the brake lights are the problem, drivers behind the truck cannot see when the truck is slowing or stopping, creating a dangerous situation. 

Another area of concern is a lack of tire maintenance. Truck tires often wear unevenly or completely without being replaced, which affects a truck’s stability and handling on the road. 

Bad weather can lead to a loss of control, increasing the chances of an accident, including an underride crash. Furthermore, poorly maintained tires may lead to a tire blowout on a highway, causing the truck to veer into oncoming traffic, potentially leading to a multi-vehicle accident. 

Other maintenance issues include faulty lighting systems and malfunctioning suspension systems, which can lead to accidents. 

The Impact on Human Lives

The consequences of a lack of truck maintenance are often tragic and have a long-lasting effect on human lives. Those who survive truck accidents caused by insufficient maintenance often have to deal with paralysis, amputations, and crushing injuries.

That does not even count the emotional trauma of such an accident. The aftermath usually spells anxiety and PTSD for survivors. Moreover, when victims die because of a truck accident, their families are left devastated. 

Another consequence that most do not even think about is the impact on bystanders and first responders. Very often, truck accidents are horrific, especially underride accidents. It is traumatizing for both witnesses and paramedics to see and handle such an incident. 

The Impact on Trucking Companies

Trucking companies are also at risk of major financial consequences if they neglect truck maintenance. If one of their truck drivers causes an accident and it is proven that no maintenance was done, the victims can claim compensation for medical costs and lost income. Furthermore, victims may also be able to claim compensation for future medical treatment if their injuries are severe. 

A trucking company will also have another financial burden if the truck is severely damaged. If the truck is written off, it means immediate financial losses and delays in customer deliveries. 

If the truck is salvageable, the company must count the costs of repairs and replacing lost cargo. For smaller truck companies, this can be a death knell. 

The Impact on Public Safety

A single truck accident often has far-reaching ramifications beyond the impact on the company and accident victims. Underride accidents, in particular, can impact public safety. 

Drivers may be reluctant to continue sharing the road with large trucks. This could lead to traffic congestion on other routes, disrupting traffic networks. 

How Trucking Companies Can Help Improve Road Safety

The onus is on trucking companies and drivers to ensure their trucks are regularly inspected and maintained. This can help identify and address dangerous issues before trucks break down and cause accidents on the road. Periodic truck maintenance will also help save many lives. 

Trucking companies should also make an effort to equip their drivers with the knowledge and skills to know when their trucks are not functioning properly. Refresher classes on proper truck maintenance may be helpful. Drivers should also report all issues promptly and not continue driving a truck that is not 100% functional. 

Companies should also consider installing onboard diagnostics systems in all trucks to diagnose maintenance issues and compile reports for repair technicians. 

Safer Roads are Possible

While accidents will always happen, trucking companies can make U.S. roads safer by implementing regular truck maintenance schedules. Additionally, stricter regulations and advanced technologies will also help lower the risk of accidents and create safer roads for all drivers.