As a truck accident attorney in El Paso, the Quinonez Law Firm is an advocate for safety behind the wheel. Being a driver of a semi, 18-wheeler or any type of commercial vehicle comes with significant responsibility. When it comes to keeping you and other drivers safe, taking safety measures behind the road can help prevent an accident.
The rise of truck accidents on highways has substantially increased over the past couple of years. Unfortunately, El Paso can attest to its own fair share of 18-wheelers accidents. The most recent catastrophic accident taking place just this week along Interstate 10 Westbound causing a 24-hour closure in both directions. Thankfully this accident did not result in any deaths and the driver was able to walk away. In most accidents, that’s not the case. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 4,300 people were killed in 2016 from truck-related accidents. Statistics show that when commercial trucks are involved in accidents, approximately 86% percent result in fatalities.
If you drive a commercial truck, please apply these safety measures:
Always Be Alert
Truck drivers are prone to drowsiness and fatigue due to their long hours and the nature of the job. As a driver, you know first-hand how exhausting, both mentally and physically, sitting in the cabin for hours on end can be. To help avoid losing focus, try doing the following on a daily basis:
- Try taking a five to ten-minute walk before your shift and on breaks.
- Stay hydrated. If you’re drinking coffee, you’ll need to follow up with water as the caffeine boost is great but can also lead to dehydration and a loss of focus.
- Keep the cabin at a cool temperature. Cold air helps ward-off sleepiness.
- Eat high-protein, low carbohydrate foods, which are great for energy. Stack-up on apples, cheese sticks, jerky, nuts (almonds and cashews), peanut butter, and whey protein bars.
Avoid Cell Phone Usage At All Cost
The goal is to eliminate any distraction that prevents you from keeping both eyes on traffic. Staring at a cell phone for even a split second can lead to an accident. Today in the U.S. one of out of every four accidents is caused by texting behind the wheel. Competing for cell phone attention is a problematic symptom that unfortunately, too many drivers are struggling to deal with. By turning your phone off and placing it in the glove compartment, you’ll be able to completely resist the urge of reading or sending text messages.
If You’re Involved in an Accident, Contact the Quinonez Law Firm in El Paso
The Quinonez Law Firm is here to help defend your rights as a truck driver. We realize these accidents are complicated and you may be facing several charges. As your truck accident attorney in El Paso, Carlos Quinonez will help you battle insurance companies and the legal process. Please contact our law firm today.