Semi Truck Racing, Semi Truck Pulls and Truck Accidents
Washington, DC Truck Accident Lawyers
Semi truck drivers often choose their profession because they enjoy the power of the engine and the feeling of being in control of such a large machine. Some drivers enjoy the feeling of the open road, the freedom and the scenery, but others enjoy pushing their rigs to the limit, seeing how fast they can accelerate and drive. These speed enthusiasts feed their desire for speed in street legal races and pulls where they develop bad habits that can create a dangerous situation on the road.
If you were injured in an accident with a speeding truck driver in Washington, DC; Virginia, or Maryland, contact the truck accident injury lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. today to learn how to protect your rights and get dangerous drivers off the road.
NOT A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM
Semi truck racing is a safe hobby enjoyed by a number of enthusiasts, many of whom are, were, or hope to be truck drivers. The majority of these drivers know the difference between the track and the highway. They are safe drivers who save their adrenaline rushes for off-duty. If anything, they may be safer drivers because in times of need they can use their race-heightened skills to avoid truck accidents.
BUT A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS PROBLEM
Speeding was a factor in 25% of all fatal truck crashes in 2007, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It is one of the top driver-related factors that contribute to semi truck crashes, according to FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation study. More common than fatigue, drug, or alcohol use; more common than overloaded trucks or tire problems, second only to brake problems, speeding is the cause of thousands of deaths and injuries in truck accidents every year.
Drivers who participate in truck races and pulls during off-duty hours can become accustomed to the thrill of speeding and have a greater likelihood to speed when driving on duty. Despite speedometers, a driver’s perception of speed is relative, and it is easy for a driver who has been racing to lose track of speed on the highway.
“Street Legal” Pulls & Races
One particular category of semi truck racing that can be especially dangerous in fostering bad driving habits are “street legal” competitions, in which the trucks are “expected to be regularly driven on the highway,” according to an organization that sponsors pulls.
A trucker driving a truck on the racetrack and then taking it out on the highway might be more likely to test his speed, especially if he meets one of his competitors on the road.
Sometimes, truckers meet up for races on the highway. They race for fun and money, putting other drivers at risk, often on rural highways, where 60% of all truck crashes occur.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in an accident with a speeding trucker, it is important that you have skilled representation to protect your rights. Contact the Washington, DC personal injury lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. today to learn how we can help.