This article is part of our 10-part series on the most common reasons owner-operators fail.
Have you ever wondered why some owner operators thrive while others struggle to stay afloat? It could be due to many reasons, but an important one is preventable accidents.
A big accident can spell doom for many entrepreneurs in the trucking industry. Sometimes it comes down to luck, but having a focus on safety and risk management can help you avoid this potential downfall.
This article explores what causes these accidents to occur, as well as expert advice on how you can steer clear of disaster as an owner operator.
Contributors to accidents
Many factors can lead to crashes and accidents. As you know, being on the road comes with an inherent set of risks. Here are the most common factors that contribute to wrecks in the trucking industry (in no specific order):
- Driver fatigue: Working long hours on the road can lead to drowsiness and decreased reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Poor road conditions: Bad roads, road construction, confusing traffic signals, and unexpected detours add to the trickiness of driving.
- Bad weather: Having to drive in rain, snow, or fog can make driving more challenging and increase the risk of accidents.
- Aggressive driving: Behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, and frequent lane changes can lead to collisions.
- Failure to obey traffic laws: Not stopping at red lights and stop signs, not yielding the right of way, and speeding in construction zones can create dangerous situations on the road.
- Equipment failure: Issues with your brakes, tires, or other components can contribute to accidents.
- Not prioritizing safety: Some trucking companies operate to solely move cargo quickly at any cost, which can lead to unsafe driving practices.
- Substance abuse: Alcohol or drug use can impair a driver's judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Lack of experience: Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers are more prone to making errors on the road.
- Traffic violations: Failure to check blind spots, improper lane changes, and other traffic violations can contribute to collisions on the road.
Top violations by frequency
When it comes to traffic stops and violations, we were able to put together a list with the data from the American Trucking Research Institute. Their research suggests that the leading violations could easily be fixed with proactive risk management.
Here is a compilation of the 20 most significant violations documented, enabling you to identify what to watch for and what to prioritize in ensuring safe transit.
- Lighting - 290,899 violations (16.3%)
- All Other Vehicle Defects - 249,700 violations (14.0%)
- Brakes - All Others - 237,853 violations (13.3%)
- All Other Hours-Of-Service (HOS)* - 116,902 violations (6.5%)
- All Other Driver Violations (Driver Behavior) - 112,850 violations (6.3%)
- Tires - 106,194 violations (5.9%)
- Brakes - Out of Adjustment - 91,302 violations (5.1%)
- Size And Weight* - 84,190 violations (4.7%)
- Speeding* - 51,703 violations (2.9%)
- Emergency Equipment - 50,317 violations (2.8%)
- Windshield - 47,528 violations (2.7%)
- Periodic Inspection - 45,134 violations (2.5%)
- No Log Book - Log Not Current* - 41,750 violations (2.3%)
- Load Securement - 39,136 violations (2.2%)
- Wheels – Studs – Clamps - 27,645 violations (1.5%)
- 10/15 Hours* - 21,933 violations (1.2%)
- Suspension - 21,385 violations (1.2%)
- False Log Book* - 20,645 violations (1.2%)
- Failure To Obey Traffic Control Device* - 17,763 violations (1.0%)
- Seat Belt* - 15,317 violations (0.9%)
* Driver behavior
Forecasting accidents
As also noted in the article produced by the American Trucking Research Institute (ATRI), drivers who had moving violations were much more likely to be involved in accidents. With their data they were able to use a Chi-Square analysis to predict the future likelihood of accidents based on their historical data including specific violations, convictions, and prior crashes.
Here is the list in order of the driving infraction with highest likelihood of an accident:
- A Failure to Yield Right-of-Way violation - 141%
- A Failure to Use / Improper Signal conviction - 116%
- A Past Crash - 113%
- A Reckless Driving violation - 104%
- A Failure to Obey Traffic Sign conviction - 85%
- A Failure to Keep in Proper Lane conviction - 78%
- An Improper or Erratic Lane Changes conviction - 77%
- A Reckless / Careless / Inattentive / Negligent Driving conviction - 62%
- An Improper Lane / Location conviction - 61%
- A Failure to Obey Traffic Signal / Light conviction - 55%
- A Disqualified Driver violation - 53%
- A False or No Log Book violation - 49%
- A Speeding 1 to 15 Miles Over Speed Limit conviction - 48%
- An HOS violation - 47%
- A Speeding violation - 47%
- Any conviction - 46%
- An Improper Turn conviction - 45%
- A Following Too Close violation - 44%
- Any Moving violation - 43%
- A Speeding More Than 15 Miles Over Speed Limit conviction - 40%
- An Improper Lane Change violation - 39%
- A Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device violation - 34%
- A Size and Weight violation - 31%
- Any OOS violation - 29%
Outside of previous crashes the top indicators of a future crash are moving violations. These risks can be mitigated with safety in mind coupled with changes in driving habits and behaviors. Remember to prioritize safe driving and make sure that your emotions or distractions do not compromise your focus while behind the wheel.
Tips for staying safe on the road
We know being on the road comes with its fair share of risks, but with a focus on safety and safe driving behaviors you can be better prepared to protect yourself and your business. Based on the findings above, we’ve put together some tips to help reduce your likelihood of being involved in an accident.
- Drive defensively: One of the most important predictors of future crash risk is driver behavior. To stay safe while driving, it is important to drive defensively and avoid behaviors that increase the likelihood of a crash. Some of the behaviors that increase the likelihood of a crash include improper or erratic lane changes, reckless driving, failure to yield right-of-way, and careless or negligent driving.
- Obey traffic laws: Obeying traffic laws is another important way to stay safe while driving. Violations such as failure to keep in the proper lane, failure to use/improper signal, and driving too fast for conditions are all strong indicators of future crash likelihood.
- Avoid distractions: Distracted driving is a major cause of crashes. To stay safe while driving, avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving. Keep your focus on the road and your surroundings.
- Maintain your vehicle: Proper vehicle maintenance is important for safe driving. Make sure your equipment is in good condition and that all systems are working properly. This includes brakes, tires, lights, and windshield wipers to name a few. Make sure to properly do your pre and post inspections.
- Stay alert: Fatigue and drowsiness can impair your driving ability and increase the likelihood of a crash. To stay safe while driving, make sure you are well-rested and alert. Take breaks as needed and avoid driving when you are tired or drowsy.
Most of these proactive measures are in the category of driver habits and behaviors. Safety starts with you, and having the proper habits and behaviors in place can greatly reduce your likelihood of being in an accident.
Conclusion: safe driving habits significantly decrease the risk of accidents
To avoid accidents as an owner-operator, it is important to focus on safety and risk management. Accidents can be caused by various factors such as driver fatigue, poor road conditions, bad weather, aggressive driving, failure to obey traffic laws, equipment failure, not prioritizing safety, substance abuse, lack of experience, and traffic violations.
Research indicates that drivers with moving violations are significantly more prone to accidents. To mitigate this risk, it is important for you to adopt a defensive driving approach, follow traffic regulations, eliminate distractions, conduct regular equipment maintenance, and remain vigilant.
By following these tips and focusing on safety you can steer clear of disaster and thrive on the road as an owner-operator.