Truck accidents are a growing concern in the United States, with an estimated 500,000 truck-related crashes occurring annually. These accidents can cause serious injury and even death to those involved. Unfortunately, many of these accidents are caused by industry regulation violations on the part of truck drivers or their employers.
This is why it's important for companies in this sector to understand the regulations set forth by government agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Companies must ensure that their employees are properly trained and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations when operating trucks on public roads. By doing so, they can help reduce both liability risk and potential tragedy from truck-related crashes.
Common Trucking Industry Regulations and How People Violate Them
The trucking industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the United States and many other parts of the world. Truck drivers must adhere to a variety of regulations that are designed to keep both them and others on the road safe. Unfortunately, not all truckers follow these rules, leading to dangerous situations for everyone involved. From speeding violations to logbook falsification, here’s a look at some of the most common regulations violated by truckers today and how they impact safety on our roads.
Speeding is one of the most common and dangerous violations that truckers commit. Driving over the speed limit not only increases their fuel costs, but also poses a significant risk to other drivers. Excessive speed reduces reaction time, which can lead to deadly accidents. In addition, trucks are more likely to roll over at higher speeds due to their weight and size.
Logbook falsification is another regulation commonly violated by truckers. Drivers must track how many hours they’ve driven in order to remain compliant with federal regulations limiting how much time they can spend on the road each day. Unfortunately, many drivers attempt to cheat the system by falsifying their logbooks or driving beyond what is allowed. This puts them and others at risk of accidents due to fatigue and distraction.
Finally, many truckers don’t adhere to the size and limits imposed by law. Trucks that are overloaded or too large for the roads can cause significant damage in an accident, as well as reduce the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. Exceeding these limits also increases wear-and-tear on highways and bridges over time, leading to costly repairs.
It’s essential for truck drivers to comply with all federal regulations as they drive to ensure their own safety and that of other drivers on the road. From speeding violations to logbook falsification, all violations carry serious risks and should be avoided at all costs.
Hours of Service Violations and Causing Truck Accidents
Hours of Service (HOS) are a significant factor that can lead to truck accidents. When trucks disregard the mandated HOS limits, they put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious injury or death. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations that limit the amount of time a truck driver is allowed to drive in a given workday or workweek. These rules exist for both safety reasons and to prevent fatigue-related crashes. Violations can include driving over the specified hours, taking too few breaks, not taking mandatory rest breaks, and driving while fatigued or impaired due to lack of sleep.
Truckers who break these rules are putting others at risk, as fatigue can drastically reduce reaction time and cause drivers to make poor decisions behind the wheel. Studies have shown that when a commercial motor vehicle crashes, HOS violations are the contributing factor in 27 percent of fatal accidents — the leading cause in many cases. This equates to thousands of lives lost each year due to violations occurring on our roads and highways. As such, truckers must take it upon themselves to abide by the FMCSA regulations and do their part in increasing road safety for everyone involved in commercial transport operations.
Weight Restrictions and Violations Resulting In Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can be devastating, and one of the main causes is weight restrictions and violations. When truckers fail to adhere to state regulations for maximum operating weights, it can cause a number of issues that increase the risk of an accident. This includes increased wear on brakes and steering components, as well as reduced stability when cornering or stopping suddenly.
It also increases fuel costs due to the extra strain on the engine and reduces overall efficiency. In addition, improper loading techniques can cause cargo shifts which further reduce control over the vehicle. All these factors contribute to an increased likelihood that a truck accident will occur if weight restrictions are not followed properly by drivers and their employers.
We’re Here to Help You After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents can be devastating and leave victims with physical, emotional, and financial damage. If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, we are here to help. Our team of experienced attorneys will work diligently to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for any damages incurred. We understand how overwhelming it can feel after an accident involving a large commercial truck and strive to provide compassionate legal counsel throughout the process.
With our extensive knowledge of personal injury law and experience handling cases similar to yours, we’re confident in our ability to seek results for our clients. Let us fight on your behalf so that you can focus on recovery without added stress or worry about finances during this difficult time in your life.