Semi Truck Accidents: Dangers of Companies’ Obsession with Efficiency

Through multiple investigative reports into semi-truck accidents and the business practices of delivery companies in recent years, the American news media has been successful in shedding light on the culture that is present in companies such as UPS and FedEx. Naturally, these companies have an economic incentive to be as efficient as possible. But there is a fine line between boosting profits and endangering innocent drivers on America’s roadways.

Big Companies Compromise Safety for Efficiency

Delivery truck drivers are under a significant amount of pressure from their employers to maintain an efficient schedule and make on-time deliveries to their customers. On-time deliveries means higher profit margins and a greater ability to handle more orders, which bodes well from a business standpoint.

The fact that delivery drivers are constantly in a hurry to get from one place to another absolutely increases the risk of injury and death from delivery truck accidents to the general public. But the potential for companies to boost their bottom line is obviously worth the risk.

That may be why many delivery truck companies – such as UPS and FedEx – have been looking for ways to leverage technology to improve efficiency and make the delivery process easier for their employees. One of the latest trends in the industry has been to remove the need for traditional keys in starting delivery trucks by implementing more advanced ignition systems.

Changes to Safety Features

Today, UPS uses an advanced ignition system that allows drivers to click a remote and hit a button on the dashboard to start the vehicle. According to the company, this technology saves millions of dollars each year in time efficiency.

But traffic safety advocates believe that these companies’ obsession with time efficiency puts their employees and the general public at risk. And in the end, the cost of resolving personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits is likely to have a negative impact on the savings for the company.

If you are ever involved in an accident with a semi-truck, it is likely going to be in your best interests to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney. A good lawyer will be able to offer you advice on the best course of action for you and your family, and also advise you about your legal rights for compensation.