Houston Truck Accidents

In October, the Houston Chronicle reported that since 2009 the number of fatalities from truck accidents has risen by 50 percent.  The paper has attributed this increase, in part, to the increase in oil production in and around Harris County.  Particularly, the Chronicle cites substandard oilfield hauling companies as one of the chief contributors to the increased accidents, and subsequently deaths in Texas.

An exceeding number of companies have failed to maintain regularly, scheduled truck maintenance.   Because of this poor attention to maintenance, a number of trucks’ normal functions have begun to fail—attributing to the increase of accidents.  Additionally, more often than not, many drivers are workers in the oil field who are driving at odd hours and are often fatigued, being deprived of sleep (working 20 hours or more in the oil fields).  Ultimately, Texas drivers must take additional precautions to avoid accidents and fatalities.

To avoid tragic accidents, we, at Fomby & Zarghouni, encourage drivers to do the following to protect themselves and their loved ones:

1. Slow Down – when nearing trucks, reduce your speed so that the truck driver has time to visibly see you;
2. Maintain Lane Integrity – to keep safe, stay in your lane so that a truck can predict your next move and you can predict that of the driver; and
3. Do Not Tailgate – for safety precautions, do not enter the blind spot of trucks—be sure to maintain visibility with the driver’s mirrors. If you can seem them they can see you.

Unfortunately, at Fomby & Zarghouni, we know that all accidents are not preventable.  Therefore, if you, or your loved one, have been injured because of a truck driver’s negligence, call us at (844) FOZALAW, and let us fight for you!

Photo Source: http://www.chron.com/news/houston-traffic/article/Crash-snarls-Estex-Freeway-in-NEHouston-5745966.php