How Oklahoma’s Oil Industry Increases Trucking Accidents

Oil production is one of the most important industries in Oklahoma, employing thousands of people and playing a critical role in the nationwide economy. This has resulted in the deployment of more and more vehicles to service oil fields, refineries, and other related facilities across the state. Unfortunately, this rise in the number of trucks on the road has also led to an increase in collisions. Some research, for instance, indicates that fatal vehicle accidents among oil and gas industry workers account for nearly 42 percent of all work-related deaths in that industry.

Higher Traffic Volume 

The increasing demands of the oil industry have led to a rise in truck traffic across the state, as these vehicles are required for transporting heavy equipment and crude oil to and from drilling sites, storage facilities, and waste disposal areas. The movement of these heavy vehicles on Oklahoma’s roads increases the likelihood of accidents not only with oil field workers, but with anyone who is sharing the road with those vehicles. Higher traffic volumes has also led to a lot more roadway congestion, which in turn, further increases the chances of a run-in with another vehicle.

Wear and Tear-Related Road Hazards 

The trucks used in the oil and gas industry are extremely heavy, as they are often required to carry machinery and oil products that weigh thousands of pounds. Besides posing a risk to other road users in the event of a collision, the size of the trucks traveling to and from drilling sites across the state can also damage road surfaces, causing cracks and potholes over time. Other drivers who encounter these hazards could end up with blown tires and losing control of their vehicles. Vehicles that travel a lot of miles and that work in rough terrain, like oil fields can also develop maintenance problems over time, which, if left unaddressed could further increase the chances of an accident.

Improper Loading 

Trucks used on oil fields carry heavy equipment, materials, and crude oil. Transporting these kinds of materials can be complicated, which is why drivers and loading crews are required to stick to specific cargo handling requirements. Unevenly distributing these heavy loads or overloading can make the trucks themselves unstable and a lot harder to control. This lack of stability can increase the risk of a rollover accident, a dangerous cargo spill, and collisions with other vehicles. Unfortunately, the high demand for oil has led to increased rates of rushed and unsafe loading practices across the U.S.

Contact a Tulsa Trucking Accident Lawyer Today 

Not all truck accidents involve semi-trucks and commercial vehicles. Many, for instance, involve trucks used for construction or hauling machinery and oil products to and from oil fields. Unfortunately, these trucks pose just as great of a risk to other road users, due to their massive size and the nature of the cargo they transport. If you were injured in a collision with such a vehicle, please call 918-492-4433 and set up a meeting with one of the experienced Tulsa truck accident lawyers at Levinson Law, P.C. to learn more.

Sources: 

journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1071181322661345 

newson6.com/story/624e312cbf09ce072957c761/oil-rig-worker-dies-after-truck-tips-near-blackwell