Operating a commercial truck is a major responsibility. Trucks weigh 20 times more than passenger vehicles on average. This means truck accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries. Sadly, many truck accidents are caused by poorly maintained vehicles. Performing thorough inspections and repairs is critical for accident prevention.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), vehicle problems are a factor in over 20% of large truck crashes. Brake defects are the most common issue, causing 15% of accidents. Other frequent problems include tire failure, cargo securement defects, and steering and suspension flaws.
Clearly, neglecting maintenance leads to safety hazards. However, some trucking companies fail to prioritize inspections and repairs. Why does this happen? Mainly because proper maintenance is time-consuming and cuts into profits. It requires taking rigs out of service for repairs, replacing worn parts, and hiring qualified mechanics. Unfortunately, businesses focused on their bottom line may cut corners in maintenance.
The Consequences of Poor Maintenance
When truck maintenance is neglected, the consequences can be devastating. Worn brakes lead to longer stopping distances. Faulty tires or cargo securement can cause rollovers. Steering issues result in loss of control. Any of these failures can lead to a truck crossing into oncoming traffic, jackknifing, or running off the road.
When a fully loaded 80,000-pound truck is involved in a crash, the damage is massive. Occupants of passenger vehicles may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, severe lacerations, or death. Even minor collisions with trucks can total cars and require the jaws of life to extract survivors.
Beyond physical harm, victims incur hundreds of thousands in medical bills and lost income. Families lose loved ones and breadwinners. And negligent trucking companies face huge liability claims.
How Maintenance Prevents Accidents
The FMCSA sets minimum standards for truck maintenance and inspections. But following these bare minimums may not be enough. Rigorous inspections and repairs beyond what the law mandates can help fleet owners avoid collisions, fines, lawsuits, and damage to their reputation.
Thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections by drivers can catch issues before they cause breakdowns or blowouts at highway speed. Regular brake tests, chassis lubrication, tire rotation, and engine diagnostics should be performed based on manufacturers’ recommendations. Any identified problems should be fixed immediately, not put off.
Well-trained, licensed mechanics should conduct all repairs and record their work. Parts prone to higher wear – such as brake pads, tires, and shocks – may need replacement on shorter intervals. Using top-quality OEM or branded aftermarket parts ensures parts meet specifications.
Updating fleet technology is another smart investment. Electronic stability control, collision avoidance systems, backup cameras, and alarms make trucks safer. GPS fleet tracking helps monitor driver behaviors like speeding that lead to maintenance issues and tickets.
Instilling a Safety Culture
Fleet managers play a key role in making safety and maintenance priorities, not just cost containment. A top-down safety culture includes:
- Hiring experienced, drug/alcohol-free drivers
- Offering ongoing driver safety training
- Rewarding diligent pre-trip inspections and timely repairs
- Tracking maintenance metrics like brakes passing inspection
- Auditing mileage-based servicing
- Soliciting driver feedback on potential equipment issues
No company wants its brand associated with horrific truck crashes. By making vehicle maintenance paramount, carriers improve safety for everyone sharing the roads.
Avoiding Complacency
Even carriers with excellent maintenance practices cannot become complacent. As technology evolves, so do standards for safety. New truck models may require different repair procedures, schedules, and parts. Mechanics need ongoing training on diagnostic tools and new engine systems. And worn trucks should be replaced with late-model rigs offering advanced safety features.
Companies should continually reassess maintenance procedures and look for gaps that allow issues to slip through. For example, adding a maintenance supervisor position provides oversight and accountability. And driver reward programs should regularly be updated to encourage finding potential mechanical problems early.
Contact Us Today
Skimping on maintenance might save money in the short run but it can cost lives and bankrupt companies when wrecks happen. With rigorous inspections, timely repairs, updated equipment, and a culture prioritizing safety, fleets can avoid preventable tragedies. Drivers are less stressed when operating well-maintained equipment. For companies following best practices, enhanced community reputation and safety record outweigh short term savings.
If you or a loved one were injured by an unsafe commercial truck, contact our personal injury law firm for a free case review. Our attorneys have a proven track record holding negligent trucking companies accountable.
Visit our offices at:
- Beverly Hills – 8383 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 830, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
- Los Angeles – 212 East Pico Blvd, Suite #4, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- Tulare – 100 E. Cross, Suite #122, Tulare, CA 93274
- Hanford – 13400 Hanford Armona Rd, Suite #B
Or call now for a free consultation on (877) 729-2652 or (323) 782-9927.
