Indiana citizens depend on long-haul truckers to move goods into, out of, and around the state, but those big vehicles also present serious dangers on the roads. Regulations exist to protect drivers, but you can also take steps to keep yourself safe.
What You Need to Know About Indiana Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can be fatal
- 10.4% of all fatal collisions involve large trucks.
- 97% of fatal collisions with commercial vehicles involve large trucks.
- 88% of large trucks involved in fatal collisions were in a multi-vehicle crash.
When truck accidents occur
- The highest number of large truck collisions happened in June
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the most dangerous days of the week for large truck collisions.
- 48% of large truck crash deaths happen between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The Most Common Types of Truck Accidents in Indiana
Jackknife
The truck skids and folds at the connection between the cab and the trailer. It could also collide with several lanes of traffic.
Blind-spot collisions
Trucks may collide with vehicles that stay in their blind spots.
Undercarriage accidents
A truck brakes suddenly and a smaller vehicle behind it can’t stop in time and slides underneath the truck’s undercarriage.
Rear-end collisions
If a truck driver isn’t paying close enough attention they can rear-end a smaller car, which could be fatal.
Lost cargo accidents
Improperly loaded trucks can lose their cargo at highway speeds, causing hazardous obstacles for other vehicles.
Rollover
A truck can roll over if the driver takes a turn or curve too fast. Nearby vehicles are at risk of being crushed.
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Commercial Trucking Laws in Indiana
Speed limits
Lane restrictions
Driver qualifications
- Have a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for 14 days
- Complete entry-level driver training
- Pass the vehicle inspection test
- Pass the basic controls test
- Pass the road test
- Driving records inspection from the last 10 years
- Background check from the trucking company
Driving shift limits
Safety Tips: Avoid Truck Accidents on Indiana Roads
Maintain a safe distance
Always signal your turn
Pass trucks with caution
Stay out of blind spots
Don’t drive distracted
