There’s a growing demand for truck drivers that the industry can’t keep up with, and the problem is only getting worse. In 2022, there was a shortage of 78,800 drivers, and experts say that figure could rise to 160,000 by 2028. Sadly, when there aren’t enough drivers, it can boost the risk of serious accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, call our Washington, D.C. truck accident attorneys today at (202) 919-5453.
Reasons For Truck Driver Shortage
Though trucking has always been demanding work, several factors are now making it harder to keep enough drivers on the road. Below are some of the main reasons behind today’s truck driver shortage:
Challenging Job
Truckers often spend long hours behind the wheel, facing exhaustion and health problems linked to a mostly sedentary lifestyle. Extended periods away from home can add stress that makes people consider alternative careers. As a result, fewer new drivers are willing to take on these tough conditions.
Aging Workforce
Many current truckers are getting older, with more than half of them being over the age of 45. They’re going to be heading toward retirement, leaving a gap that younger generations haven’t been interested in filling at the moment. This demographic shift puts additional strain on an already short-staffed industry.
Increased Demand
Thanks in large part to e-commerce, the need for delivered goods has soared. More packages heading to consumers’ doors require more trucks on the road. With the existing workforce already stretched thin, elevated demand compounds the driver shortage.
High Turnover Rates
Companies might offer sign-on bonuses or pay for trucking school, but many drivers quit once these incentives end. Some also change jobs to find better pay or more favorable working conditions. This constant churn makes it hard to build and maintain a stable workforce.
If you’ve been hurt in a trucking or other auto accident, knowing the root causes behind the driver shortage can help you and your attorney figure out who is responsible and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why a Shortage of Drivers Can Lead To More Accidents
When fewer drivers are available, the ones who remain often face tougher conditions that can increase the risk of accidents. Below are some ways the shortage can make the roads more dangerous:
Fatigued Driving
Longer working hours force many truckers to push beyond safe limits. This can lead to drowsiness behind the wheel, slower reactions, and poor decision-making.
Inexperienced Drivers
There’s an urgency to fill empty positions, so companies may hire individuals who aren’t fully prepared to handle large vehicles. Limited hands-on training can leave newer drivers less equipped to respond to sudden hazards.
Distractions
Endless hours on the road can tempt drivers to use their phones, eat meals, or engage in other tasks behind the wheel. These distractions lead to split-second lapses that can cause serious crashes.
Vehicle Maintenance Issues
When the schedule is tight, essential inspections and maintenance can get postponed or skipped. A small issue left unchecked can grow into a serious mechanical failure, raising the likelihood of accidents.
Demanding Trucking Companies
Profit-focused businesses may pressure drivers to violate safety rules or cut corners on rest breaks. This creates a culture where pushing boundaries becomes normal, even if it endangers everyone on the highway.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident and believe it was because of a shortage or other negligent actions of a driver or trucking company, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact our injury lawyers in Washington, D.C. today to schedule a free consultation.