10 Truck Driver Behaviors That Dramatically Increase Collision Probability

It’s impossible to predict commercial vehicle collisions, but the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has culled years’ worth of data to give fleets meaningful insights to reduce the frequency and severity of collisions. ATRI identified numerous driver behaviors that are significant indicators of future crashes based on previous crashes, violations, and convictions—four of which increased the likelihood by over 100%. These include:

1. Failing to yield the right-of-way violation. Truck drivers with previous violations for failing to yield the right-of-way have a 141% increase in the probability of future collisions.
2. Failing to use or improperly signaling conviction. Drivers convicted of not using signals or using them improperly have a 116% increased risk of future collisions.
3. Previous collisions. Unsurprisingly, past collisions increase the risk of future collisions—by a whopping 113%.
4. Reckless driving violation. Drivers that operate their vehicles without regard for the safety of others or themselves pose a significant risk. The ATRI report notes that reckless driving violations increase the probability of future collisions by 104%.
5. Failing to obey traffic signs conviction. The risk of future collisions rises by 85% for drivers with prior convictions related to not obeying traffic signs.
6. Failing to stay in the proper lane conviction. Previous convictions for failing to stay in the proper lane increase the risk of future collisions by 78%.
7. Changing lanes improperly or erratically conviction. Some examples of this behavior include changing lanes without proper signaling, keeping a safe distance, or checking mirrors. Failing to follow these practices dramatically increases the likelihood of a collision. Other unsafe lane changes include speeding, veering, or making illegal passes. Drivers with these kinds of convictions are 77% more likely to experience a collision in the future.
8. Careless, inattentive, negligent, or reckless driving conviction. These convictions range widely in severity and driver intention. However, they all share common themes of disregard for driver safety and a 62% increased risk of causing future accidents.
9. Improper lane or location conviction. Convictions for failing to stay in the proper lane, such as straddling lanes, driving in the wrong traffic direction, or weaving between the shoulder and driving lanes, increases the probability of future crashes by 61%.
10. Failing to obey traffic lights or signals conviction. Every driver knows driving through a red light is grounds for a ticket. However, officers can issue citations for speeding through yellow lights, too, depending on the circumstances. Drivers with this conviction have a 55% higher risk of future crashes.

Fleets can’t know for certain which drivers will experience crashes, as some collisions are outside the drivers’ control. However, monitoring driver behaviors and providing safety training to target specific risks can go a long way toward reducing the possibility. Contact the experts at Interstate Motor Carriers to learn more ways to decrease risk within your trucking company.