3 Commonly Perpetuated Myths of the Trucking Industry

Americans owe much of their comfort, convenience, and way of life to the trucking industry. They transport our food, fuel, consumer goods, and more through seven days a week, year-round, and throughout the night.

Trucks of all makes and models move more than 70 percent of our freight valued at more money than the GDP of most countries. Trucking carriers employ over 3.5 million drivers and almost 8 million people in related jobs. For all the value trucking and truckers provide, myths about them continue.

3 common myths about the trucking industry:

1. Drivers are not your kind of people

Semi-truck drivers are “average Joes” from a range of backgrounds. It is true they like to spend hours behind the wheel. But you will find they take full advantage of facilities at favorite truck stops outfitted with showers, sleeping quarters, and food and beverages. Most are talkative and sociable because they appreciate the contact.

Drivers are generally well-paid, and the longer they work, the more money they make. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median wage for tractor-trailer drivers is $43,680, and that means half of them are earning more. And, drivers working for private fleets make considerably more. Their income makes them good neighbors.

2. Semi-drivers cause most accidents

Business Insider reports on results of a study by Omnitracs: “Every 100 female drivers get into 3.41 preventable accidents, compared to a rate of 3.44 accidents among every 100 male drivers…women are less likely than men to get warnings while driving like ‘excessive speed,’ ‘forward collision warning,’ ‘hard braking,’ and other signals that can lead to an accident.”

Despite popular opinion, trucks are in far fewer accidents than cars or SUVS. It is true the tractor-trailer accidents may be more dramatic and damaging, so you may want to find a semi truck accident lawyer and carry the information with you. But you needn’t drive like an accident is waiting for you. Here you can visit Earl & Earl Attorneys At Law.

3. Police have the final say

Police reports on trucking accidents are far from the final word. Local police and state troopers make more mistakes than you’d think. They’re honest mistakes, but they can make a difference to the injured parties.

Whether you are the at-fault driver or even subject to negligence charges, you need to secure legal help. A lawyer can help you navigate the difficult waters of insurance claims and/or pursue the compensation necessary to make you whole. And, that means looking into those police and witness reports in detail. Here you can check for commercial trucking insurance cost.

Partners on the road!

It won’t be long before our driverless cars will share the road with driverless cars. But there’s no assurance that will change things for the better. In the meantime, all drivers should follow standard behaviors that avoid tailgating, excessive speed, signal correctly, pass safely, and driving under the influence.

Trucks do have the size advantage over cars, and that’s reason enough to avoid road rage. But if you’ve buckled up and are driving safe and sane, you should be okay.

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