Road Dangers During COVID-19
We are well into the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and truck drivers are working endless hours to get medical supplies, food, and other goods to their destinations as quickly as possible. The high demand for essential supplies and the promise of fast delivery could impact trucking safety. Here are three things that could have an impact on road safety during the pandemic.
1. Lifted Hours-of-Service Rules
In March, the Department of Transportation (DOT) lifted the hours-of-service rules for commercial drivers who are involved in delivering goods for COVID-19 relief. This means that truckers can drive as many hours as needed, without breaks or time off, to get to their destination as quickly as possible. Driving for long hours without rest could put a strain on the driver, leaving them tired and fatigued, which is one of the leading causes of truck accidents.
2. High Demand for Quick Delivery
Due to the high demand for essential goods such as medical supplies and food, a driver may be pressured to get to their destination faster. Such pressure could lead a truck driver to ignore speed limit rules to get to their destination quicker. Because of the size and weight of tractor-trailers, speeding can cause a devastating collision.
3. Disregard of Road Rules
Now that more people are staying home due to shelter in place rules, there may be less traffic on the road, and an open road with fewer motorists could lead to the disregard of road rules. The most common ignored road rules may include:
- Running red lights
- Running stop signs
- Failing to yield
- Tailgating
- Not using turn signals
Contact a Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyer
Driving defensively when sharing the road with truck drivers and other motorists can help reduce the risk of being involved in a crash. However, a trucking accident can happen in the blink of an eye. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury in a truck accident, we are here to help you. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight to defend your rights to receive compensation for your injuries.
Call Peterson & Associates, P.C. today at 816-888-8888 to speak with an attorney about your potential case.
