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Houston, a major transportation hub, experiences a high volume of commercial truck traffic daily. In 2023, the city reported over 67,000 total crashes, with a significant portion involving large trucks. Understanding the leading causes of truck accidents in Houston can help drivers stay vigilant and promote safer roadways.
Long-haul truck drivers often face tight delivery schedules, leading to extended hours on the road. Despite federal regulations limiting driving hours, some drivers exceed these limits, resulting in fatigue. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of accidents, especially on major Houston highways like I-10, I-45, and Highway 59.
Distractions such as mobile phone use, eating, or adjusting in-cab devices divert a driver’s attention from the road. In 2023, Texas reported 403 fatalities due to distracted driving . Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, even a momentary lapse in attention can have catastrophic consequences.
Truck drivers under pressure to meet delivery deadlines may speed or drive aggressively. High speeds reduce a truck’s ability to stop and increase the severity of crashes. Aggressive behaviors like tailgating and unsafe lane changes are particularly dangerous on congested Houston roads.
Incorrectly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, affecting the truck’s balance and handling. Overloaded trucks can also cause tire blowouts or brake failure. When cargo spills onto the roadway, it creates hazards for everyone nearby.
Regular maintenance is crucial for the safe operation of commercial trucks. Neglecting maintenance can lead to mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts. These issues can cause drivers to lose control, leading to serious accidents, injuries, and deaths.
Truck accidents in Houston are often preventable. By understanding the common causes, drivers can take proactive steps to enhance safety on the roads.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options. Attorney Scott Callahan is board-certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Specialization and has the experience necessary to successfully handle your truck wreck claim. Call the firm 24/7 at 713-888-9000 to speak with them about your case.
Texas highways, especially in and around cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, and McAllen are packed with 18-wheelers and commercial trucks every day. While many companies are committed to safety, the sheer number of trucks on the road increases the risk of serious accidents.
Some trucking companies operate such large fleets that they’re frequently involved in crashes simply due to volume. Here’s a list of the top 10 trucking companies drivers in Texas should be especially aware of, based on size, highway presence, and industry data.
Note: This list is not a blanket allegation of wrongdoing by a particular company nor does it reflect the facts of any particular case. Rather, it highlights the need for extra caution around some of the most active fleets on Texas roads for the protection of the public.
FedEx operates one of the largest trucking fleets in the U.S. Their trucks are a common sight on Texas interstates, delivering freight 24/7. Due to high delivery demands and extensive routes, FedEx vehicles are frequently involved in road accidents, including multi-vehicle collisions.
Known for its brown delivery trucks, UPS also runs a massive long-haul freight division. With such a large footprint in Texas, UPS trucks regularly share the road with commuters and commercial vehicles, increasing the potential for serious wrecks. This is especially true in dense traffic areas like Houston.
Amazon has rapidly grown its delivery and freight services, deploying thousands of Amazon-branded vans and semi-trucks daily. Many drivers work through third-party contractors under high-pressure timelines. This combination of tight schedules and high volume has been linked to a considerable number of crashes nationwide, including right here in Texas.
J.B. Hunt is one of the largest and most recognizable transportation companies in North America. Their long-haul trucks move cargo throughout Texas, particularly along I-10, I-35, and I-45. While generally respected in the industry, their fleet size means more activity—and more potential incidents.
Schneider’s bright orange trucks are hard to miss. This massive carrier is heavily involved in freight transportation across Texas. Like other top carriers, Schneider’s trucks operate in high volumes, meaning increased risk to motorists sharing the road.
Swift is known for its size and employs many newer drivers as part of its training programs. While these drivers are licensed, inexperience or common mistakes can often play a role in avoidable wrecks—especially when navigating congested highways or poor weather conditions.
With a large fleet focused on long-distance and temperature-controlled freight, Werner vehicles are common on Texas highways. The long hours their drivers spend on the road can lead to fatigue-related incidents if regulations aren’t strictly followed.
XPO specializes in supply chain logistics and LTL (less-than-truckload) shipments, making frequent stops and deliveries across both urban and rural Texas. Constant pressure to meet tight deadlines, speeding, or unsafe maneuvering can be a cause of wrecks by any trucking company.
Old Dominion is another LTL freight provider that’s highly active throughout the state. With constant pickups and drop-offs, their trucks are regularly navigating city streets and loading docks and other places where visibility and maneuverability can be limited.
Despite recent operational and financial challenges, Yellow has long operated across Texas. The age of their fleet and some industry scrutiny means they have been on the radar for some safety observers and/or law enforcement.
Big trucks can’t stop or maneuver like regular vehicles and drivers often have massive blind spots. Defensive driving around commercial trucks is essential to avoid accidents. Give trucks space, don’t cut in front of them, and be extra cautious when merging or passing.
But even the most careful drivers can become victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Texas, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
With more than 25 years of experience, attorney Scott Callahan has handled cases against many trucking companies – both large and small – and knows the ins and outs of handling these cases. If you’ve been injured in a wreck with one of these or any other trucking company, give the firm a call today at 713-888-9000.
Driving next to an 18-wheeler on the highway can be intimidating—and for good reason. These massive vehicles have large blind spots, longer stopping distances, and limited maneuverability. Fortunately, with a few smart habits, you can stay safe and avoid a potential crash. Here are five safety tips when driving near an 18 wheeler:
Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides:
If you can’t see the driver’s face in their side mirror, they probably can’t see you.
Depending upon its speed, it can take a fully loaded 18-wheeler the length of two football fields or more to come to a complete stop. Cutting in front of a truck and suddenly slowing down is extremely dangerous and often leads to rear-end collisions.
Always leave plenty of space when merging or changing lanes.
If you need to pass a truck, do so quickly and on the left side, where the blind spot is smaller. If possible, avoid lingering beside the trailer.
Trucks make wide turns, especially to the right. If you see a truck swinging left at an intersection, don’t try to squeeze by—it’s likely setting up for a right turn.
Be aware of trucks taking extra space and be aware of them not looking out for you.
Trucks are supposed to drive slower for safety, weather conditions, or due to weight restrictions. Practicing patience can help you avoid aggressive maneuvers that lead to crashes.
Staying safe around 18-wheelers is about awareness, distance, and respect for their limitations. While truck drivers have a responsibility to operate safely, defensive driving goes a long way in preventing accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck wreck due to a driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Board-certified lawyer Scott Callahan has over 25 years of experience in helping truck accident victims get the compensation they deserve to get their lives back together. Give the firm a call today at 713-888-9000 for your free consultation about your case.
