May 3, 2010

Construction Zone Safety Tips for Truckers

Given all the construction that is done during the warmer summer months, it is important for drivers to be aware of all the workers present and to obey all posted signs that are intended to keep the workers and the drivers as safe as possible. According to Trucker News, there are certain tips for truckers and trucking companies to keep workers safe as well as save the company time, money, and help to avoid trucking accidents. One trucking company loss prevention director says that for their company they teach this safety in initial training, in refresher courses, and have signs and newsletters and other reminder handouts to help keep the truckers aware of the importance of construction zone safety and how to best insure this safety.

One big safety issue for truckers is to make sure to keep the speed at the construction zone speed limit. These limits are posted and are lower than the usual speed limit in the area and our intended to keep the area safer for workers. Speed is the biggest safety issue for truckers in construction zones and if truckers would obey the construction speed limits many accidents could be avoided. Additionally, truckers need to lookout for signage, workers and equipment. Being in a truck it can be hard to see all of this, so drivers need to make it a point to be constantly looking around and watching out for construction equipment. Another tip for drivers is to plan driving times to stay out of known construction areas during the prime time they are being worked on. This can be done by choosing to drive through that area during off peak hours. Following these simple tips can safe lives and avoid fatal accidents. Please click on this link for more information on how truckers can avoid construction accidents.

April 21, 2010

One Pedestrian Killed and One Saved in Trucking Accident

A trucking accident that occurred on April 19th left one Illinois pedestrian dead and seriously injured another. The accident occurred when a sports utility vehicle crashed into a semi-truck, causing the SUV to roll over onto the sidewalk and trap two people that were pedestrians on the sidewalk. Thanks to the witnesses that worked so hard to save the man trapped under the vehicle, that man is expected to be completely fine. According to the Chicago Sun Times, a group of people that witnessed the accident came together and were able to lift the SUV, which weighed over 3,000 pounds, off of the trapped man so he could be taken to a hospital. The woman that was killed had also been trapped under the vehicle and the bystanders were able to get her out as well, but unfortunately her injuries were too severe for doctors to save her. The two pedestrians that were involved in this accident were a married couple that were walking to the bank in order to get some exercise. At this point, the Lombard Police are not sure what caused the initial accident, but it is still under investigation. To read more about this pedestrian accident, please click on this link.

Unfortunately, pedestrians are killed as a result of car and trucking crashes all the time. In 2003, eleven percent of all motor vehicle deaths were pedestrian deaths. According to Walking Info’s website, the most common group of people that are at risk for getting struck by a car are very young boys that may have the highest tendency to dart out into the street. The least common age group to be affected by pedestrian crashes are the elderly population which is probably a result of this age group being the most cautious pedestrians and those least likely to walk in highly traffic-filled areas. It is important for all walkers to be cautious and alert when walking, especially in areas where traffic is heavily congested. Even though pedestrians have the right of way, many drivers may not always stop in time so everyone should always double check before crossing the street.

September 24, 2009

Boy Seriously Injured When Struck by Truck

A young boy was seriously injured after he was struck by a truck on September 16th in Lake County. According to the Mundelein Review, the young boy was walking on the shoulder of the road on his way to school when he darted out onto the road and was hit by a landscaping truck. The boy was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his severe personal injuries, including severe breaks all over his body including a broken pelvis and skull fracture. The driver of the truck does not seem to have been impaired and therefore no charges were issued at the time of the truck accident. For more information on this Lake County truck accident, click here.

September 10, 2009

Truck Accident Settlement Over $5 Million

A truck accident lawsuit was settled in favor of the Plaintiff and he was awarded $5.5 million. The truck lawsuit resulted from a 2005 truck accident in which the Plaintiff was walking and was run over by another trucker while he was out of his own truck inspecting his load. His car accident attorney was able to get him a settlement this high because of how severe his personal injuries were, including permanent brain damage, loss of sight, smell, taste, crushed facial bones as well as other horrible injuries. For more information on this truck accident settlement, click here.

August 24, 2009

Pedestrian Struck by Semi-trailer Truck in Chicago

A 59-year-old male pedestrian was killed after being struck by a semi-trailer truck in Chicago Illinois. The man was crossing the street at West Chicago and North Ashland when he was struck by the 18-wheeled semi-truck. No citations have been issued against the driver in the truck accident. The police major accident investigation unit is still investigating the truck accident. To read more about the automobile accident, please click the link.

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