2 Inexcusable But Common Reasons Truck Drivers Kill Others On The Road
Getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle is a huge responsibility. A truck is essentially a weapon if used irresponsibly, and it can quickly kill a lot of innocent people. Accident and personal injury attorneys know all too well because they see the aftermath of truck crashes, and the devastation it can cause. All it takes is one stupid mistake, and a truck driver could accidentally take the lives of others they encounter on the road. Here are two inexcusable reasons that truck drivers have killed others on the road.
Driving Buzzed or Drunk Even After Previous DUI Arrests
Unfortunately, the great inconvenience and negative consequences that come with getting caught driving under the influence are not enough to deter some people. Repeat offenders often get on the road even with a suspended driver's license. Not only are these people refusing to face the reality that they are endangering themselves and others, they may receive much harsher sentences that can essentially equate to life in prison when choosing to drive drunk.
Truck drivers who do this can quickly lose their job even if they don't lose their lives or face jail time. It is best to avoid drunk driving altogether. Even if you think you are only buzzed, it is not worth it, as it can be hard to objectively evaluate your soberness when you have had a drink or two. With the wide availability of ride-sharing apps, it's easier than ever to get a ride to wherever you need to go. No matter how tempting it may be, don't risk it.
Texting Their Significant Other About Something Very Insignificant
After decades of Mothers Against Drunk Driving campaigns, most people have gotten the message that it is wrong to drink and drive. Even those who choose to do this anyway know that it is something that is illegal and immoral. However, a lot of people are unaware that texting and driving is even more dangerous than driving while inebriated.
Thousands of unnecessary deaths occur each year simply because someone decides to send text messages to friends and family members while operating a motor vehicle. Even texting a loving, one-line message to a significant other takes the seconds that are necessary for a car to spin out of control, hit a pedestrian, fatally hit another car, or worse. Even if you have managed to send text messages while driving without any negative consequences in the past, that luck will run out eventually, and you could be responsible for a terrible accident that takes lives and takes away your freedom. It is not worth the risk on any level.
Finally, keep in mind that it is up to you to prioritize safety while driving. You cannot prevent all car accidents since you cannot control the choices of other drivers, but you can greatly increase your odds of staying safe in your car or truck when you avoid making these careless mistakes. Each choice you make as a driver matters, so make smart choices for yourself and other innocent people on the road. Contact a firm like Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC to learn more.
