The Danger of the Texas Truck Driver Shortage
All states rely on commercial trucks to deliver the goods consumers use every day. Texas is no different. Currently, the entire country is facing a shortage of drivers to operate these large vehicles and again, Texas is as well. While it may seem as though the truck driver shortage only impacts the trucking industry, that is not true. The shortage of truck drivers in Texas is also placing other motorists on the road at risk. Below, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer explains why this is.
Why Does Texas Have a Truck Driver Shortage?
There are many reasons for the truck driver shortage in Texas and throughout the country. The main causes are as follows:
- Low pay rates: Being a truck driver was once a high-paying job, but the industry was deregulated in the 1980s and it is no longer as lucrative. Now, truck drivers are usually paid by the mile. This means that while they are loading and unloading, stuck in traffic, or on mandatory rest breaks, they are not making any money. This has made driving a truck less attractive to many people.
- Safety: Commercial trucks do pose a danger to other motorists on the road, but truckers themselves are also in danger. They can become injured by falling cargo, other negligent drivers, and in a manner of other ways. Trucking companies, shippers, loaders, and receivers do not always provide the truck drivers with the protection they need, and that is also keeping many people from becoming truckers.
- Retirement: Many truck drivers have or are about to retire from the workforce. To make this matter worse, there are not enough new drivers entering the industry to make up for this shortage.
- Demanding lifestyle: Truck drivers are often on the road for days, and sometimes even weeks, at a time. They miss out on time with their families, and engaging in activities they really enjoy. Being a truck driver is hard and with all the other challenges, drivers are simply no longer seeing the job as worthwhile.
What are the Dangers of the Truck Driver Shortage?
Again, the truck driver shortage is not only affecting truckers and the trucking industry. It is placing many motorists of small vehicles at risk, as well.
In an effort to increase the number of drivers they have working for them, trucking companies are now often hiring inexperienced drivers who cannot properly control a large truck. Due to the fact that these companies want to get their drivers on the road as soon as possible, they also often do not provide the proper training these drivers need. Lastly, trucking companies are also more likely than ever to provide incentives to drivers to stay on the road longer than they are allowed. This allows them to deliver the same amount of cargo with fewer people on the road.
Our Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Can Help Your Family
Another sad fact is that the truck driver shortage is causing even more fatalities on the road. If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer at the Law Office of Israel Garcia can help you claim the compensation you deserve. Call or text us now at 210-LAW-9999 or chat with us online to book a free consultation.
Source:
axios.com/local/dallas/2023/08/15/trucker-shortage-autonomous-vehicle-texas
