Fracking Leads to Increase in Serious Truck Accidents

08 Oct Fracking Leads to Increase in Serious Truck Accidents

A rise in fracking has subsequently given rise to the number of car accidents in many communities. Why?

Over the last 4 years, there has been an uptick in the number of car accidents involving three or more vehicles on Texas roads. In April of this year, a woman was killed when an 18-wheeler ran a red light and smashed into the side of her car. The 18-wheeler was returning to a fracking site at the time of the accident. Studies have shown that the fracking boom in Texas is tied to the number of commercial vehicle accidents happening all over the state, posing questions about this industry’s greater impact.

Vilma Marenco, the victim in this accident, was hit by a truck hauling pipe which had no insurance and who’s driver carried no commercial drivers license. It was also later determined that the driver was hired before being subjected to extensive background and drug tests, and that the company which owned the truck had failed a DPS audit the previous year. Additionally, the company’s drivers had been ticketed numerous times for safety and transport violations.

A worrying trend.

The country’s auto accident statistics have improved over the years thanks to enforcement of transport rules as well as public sensitization campaigns. However, the rush to make profits due to the fracking boom is threatening to erase this progress, plunging Texas back into infamy as one of the states with the highest accident rates in the country. Speak with personal injury lawyers if you have been involved in a road accident and to know how you can protect your rights and file a claim. Those who have been rendered disabled by their accident injuries may be eligible for a disability tax credit and other benefits. A social security disability law professional may be consulted in these types of situations.

John Esparza, a member of the Texas Freight Advisory Committee for the Texas Department of Transportation is doing his part in ensuring that the state changes legislation on trucking safety. At the same time, spokesman Veronica Bayer, her response stated that looking into the increased incidents of traffic accidents is a priority in the department. It’s a must to hire only a well-experienced driver in the logistics department to avoid an increase in accidents.