Truck Driver Shortages and Increased Truck Accidents in Tennessee

Our Tennessee highways are constantly busy with commercial and large trucks. Semi-trucks, delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles are important to keeping our economy moving and transporting food, building materials, and everyday goods that we all depend on. However, here’s the rub – there’s a growing truck driver shortage in Tennessee and across the nation, and it’s contributing to an alarming rise in commercial truck accidents.

Today’s trucking industry faces a massive shortage of qualified and experienced drivers. The American Trucking Association (ATA) reports that the industry was short by over 60,000 drivers in recent years. What’s causing this shortage? A few factors come into play here.

Many truck drivers are nearing retirement age, and there aren’t enough younger drivers coming in to take their place. The average age of a trucker is about 46 years old, and younger workers often aren’t drawn to the profession due to the long hours, time away from family, and challenging work conditions.

Trucking jobs involve grueling schedules, extended periods away from home, and physically demanding work. This can lead to high turnover rates, as some drivers may leave the industry for less demanding or better-paying opportunities.

With online shopping and e-commerce exploding in recent years, there has been a surge in demand for goods to be shipped across the country. More freight means more drivers are necessary, but the industry can’t keep up.

While essential for safety, federal and state regulations can sometimes discourage people from entering the trucking industry. For example, getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL) requires extensive training and testing. Drivers must also follow strict hours-of-service rules (HOS) limiting how long they can be on the road daily.

How does the trucker shortage affect truck safety?

The truck driver shortage isn’t just an economic problem. It’s also a safety problem. When there aren’t enough experienced truck drivers to meet demand, trucking companies might cut corners to keep their operations running. This can lead to a variety of issues.

• Some companies might hire less experienced drivers or lower their hiring standards in order to fill positions quickly. Driving an 80,000-pound truck requires extensive training and skill. Inexperienced drivers are more likely to make mistakes while driving, increasing the risk of accidents.
• With fewer drivers available to work, those who are working may be pushed to take on longer routes or tighter schedules. Even though HOS rules are in place to prevent overwork, some drivers feel pressured to keep going to meet deadlines. Fatigue is a major cause of truck accidents, as tired drivers have slower reaction times and more impaired judgment.
• Routine maintenance may be delayed or skipped altogether when companies are stretched thin. Things like faulty brakes, worn-out tires, and other mechanical issues can make commercial trucks more prone to accidents.
• To compensate for fewer drivers, some companies may overload their trucks to move more cargo in fewer trips. Overloading can affect a truck’s handling, brakes, and overall stability, making accidents more likely.

What can be done to address the problem?

Dealing with the truck driver shortage and improving road safety for everyone is a complicated issue, requiring effort from multiple angles. Some potential solutions might include the following.

• It’s essential to encourage younger workers to enter the trucking industry. Apprenticeships, vocational training, and incentives like signing bonuses can help attract new drivers.
• Making trucking jobs more appealing by addressing driver concerns like long hours, time away from family, and pay disparities could reduce turnover and attract more drivers.
• Companies can help prevent accidents by ensuring that their drivers comply with safety regulations, like proper vehicle maintenance and adherence to HOS rules, for example.
• Advances in technology like collision avoidance systems, automatic braking, and lane departure warnings can help reduce accidents. While this tech is no substitute for qualified drivers, it can add a layer of safety.

It’s also important to educate all drivers on how to safely share the road with commercial trucks. Simple practices like avoiding blind spots, giving trucks plenty of space, and being cautious when merging can all make a big difference.

What should I do if I’ve been in a Chattanooga truck accident?

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, you should understand your legal rights. Truck accident cases can be more complicated than other types of car accidents, often involving multiple parties like the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. Take the following steps after a Chattanooga truck accident:

• Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if you think you feel fine, get yourself checked out by a medical professional. Injuries from truck accidents can sometimes take days or even weeks to fully appear.
• If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene – including damage to vehicles, skid marks, and any visible injuries. This evidence will be important to your case.
• Get the contact information of the truck driver, their employer, and any witnesses to the accident. You should also note the truck’s license plate number and any identifying details about the company.
• Talk to the personal injury attorneys at Wagner Workers Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers. Trucking companies and their insurance companies often have big teams of attorneys working to protect their interests. Having an experienced Chattanooga truck accident lawyer on your side can help level the playing field and help ensure you secure the compensation to which you’re entitled.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a truck accident in Tennessee? Don’t wait to seek help. It can be tough to take on the trucking industry and its insurers on your own, but you don’t have to face this battle alone. The experienced Chattanooga truck accident attorneys at Wagner Workers Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers are here to fight for your rights and work to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Let’s start building your case so you can focus on moving forward and recovering from your injuries. Please call our office or use our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation in Chattanooga today. We also work with clients throughout Cleveland and North Georgia.