Truck accidents can lead to devastating injuries, significant property damage, and even loss of life. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions with passenger vehicles often result in severe consequences.
To reduce the risk of these accidents, trucking companies must adhere to strict federal and state regulations designed to enhance road safety. When companies fail to comply with these regulations, they put everyone on the road at risk, leading to the need for clear and enforceable safety measures.
At Guerra Law Firm PC in McAllen, Texas, we understand the impact that truck accidents have on victims and their families. We are committed to holding negligent trucking companies accountable and helping injured individuals seek the compensation they deserve.
Read on for more information about key regulations trucking companies must follow to prevent accidents.
Hours of Service Regulations
Fatigue is a major factor in truck accidents, making Hours of Service (HOS) regulations essential for safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces these rules to prevent drivers from spending excessive hours behind the wheel without adequate rest. Without these regulations, driver exhaustion could significantly increase accident risks.
Under HOS regulations, property-carrying drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Additionally, they can’t drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, even with breaks.
These limits help prevent drowsy driving, which is a leading cause of truck crashes. Limiting driving hours makes sure that truck operators remain alert and capable of reacting to road conditions.
Drivers must also take a 30-minute break after driving for eight cumulative hours. This mandatory rest period helps improve driver alertness. When trucking companies push drivers to exceed these limits, they increase the risk of fatigue-related accidents, endangering both truck operators and other motorists on the road.
Securing compliance with these regulations is just one part of broader vehicle safety measures.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Requirements
Regular vehicle maintenance and inspections are critical in preventing mechanical failures that can cause truck accidents. Trucking companies are required to keep their fleets in safe operating conditions and make sure that all components meet federal safety standards. A failure in vehicle upkeep can result in dangerous breakdowns on the road.
The FMCSA mandates that trucking companies conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections, checking for any defects that could impact vehicle performance. Common issues that require attention include faulty brakes, worn-out tires, malfunctioning lights, and steering problems.
If any defects are identified, they must be repaired before the truck is put back into service. Properly maintained trucks are far less likely to contribute to roadway hazards.
In addition to routine inspections, trucks must undergo annual safety audits to verify compliance with maintenance regulations. Failing to perform proper maintenance can lead to catastrophic accidents, making it essential for companies to prioritize vehicle safety.
Cargo Securement Standards
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause truck accidents by shifting during transit, leading to loss of vehicle control or cargo spills. The FMCSA has established cargo securement standards to assure that freight is properly restrained and doesn’t pose a hazard to other drivers. Proper cargo management is essential to maintaining balance and stability on the road.
Some key factors to keep in mind include:
Proper use of tie-downs: Cargo must be secured using appropriate tie-downs, such as straps or chains, to prevent movement while the truck is in motion.
Weight distribution requirements: Loads must be evenly distributed to prevent instability or tipping, which can increase the risk of rollovers.
Inspection obligations: Drivers must inspect cargo at regular intervals, including before departure and during transit, to verify that loads remain secure.
By adhering to these standards, trucking companies can reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by shifting cargo, protecting both drivers and other road users from unnecessary harm.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policies
Impaired driving is a serious threat to road safety, and trucking companies must enforce strict drug and alcohol testing policies to prevent truck accidents. The FMCSA requires mandatory testing at various stages of employment and under specific circumstances.
These policies serve as a preventive measure to make sure that drivers are operating at full mental and physical capacity.
Truck drivers must undergo pre-employment drug testing before being allowed to operate a commercial vehicle. Additionally, random testing throughout employment makes sure that drivers remain free from drug or alcohol use while on duty.
Post-accident testing is also required when a crash results in fatalities or significant injuries, helping to determine whether impairment played a role in the collision. These measures work to deter unsafe driving practices.
When trucking companies fail to enforce these policies, they put everyone at risk. Strict compliance with testing requirements is necessary to keep impaired drivers off the road and prevent tragic accidents.
Weight Limits and Overloading Restrictions
Overloading a truck or exceeding weight limits can make a vehicle difficult to control, increasing the risk of rollovers and mechanical failures. To prevent these dangers, federal and state regulations set strict weight limits for commercial trucks. Controlling truck weight is essential for both maneuverability and road durability.
The FMCSA establishes a maximum gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds for most commercial trucks. Individual axle limits are also enforced to prevent excessive strain on certain parts of the vehicle. Weigh stations and roadside inspections help secure compliance with these regulations, preventing accidents caused by excessive loads.
Some key factors to keep in mind include:
Overloading risks: Trucks carrying excessive weight may experience brake failures, tire blowouts, or loss of control.
Legal consequences: Violating weight limits can result in hefty fines and penalties for trucking companies.
Increased stopping distances: Heavier trucks require longer stopping distances, making it harder for drivers to react to sudden hazards on the road.
By adhering to weight restrictions, trucking companies can reduce the likelihood of mechanical failures and loss of vehicle control, ultimately preventing serious accidents.
Driver Qualification Requirements
Trucking companies have a responsibility to make sure that their drivers are properly trained and qualified to operate commercial vehicles. The FMCSA sets strict guidelines for driver qualifications to enhance road safety and reduce the risk of truck accidents.
Proper training assures that drivers are fully prepared to handle large and heavy vehicles under various road conditions.
To legally operate a commercial truck, drivers must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and undergo specialized training. Background checks, medical examinations, and road tests are also required to verify that drivers meet the necessary standards. These qualifications confirm that drivers are physically and mentally prepared to handle the demands of commercial driving.
In addition to initial qualifications, trucking companies must provide ongoing training to keep drivers informed about safety regulations, vehicle operation, and defensive driving techniques.
By prioritizing driver qualifications, companies can improve overall road safety and minimize the risk of accidents caused by inexperienced or untrained drivers. When these safety measures are ignored, legal action may be necessary.
Call Our Truck Accident Attorney Today
When trucking companies fail to follow these regulations, they put lives at risk and contribute to preventable accidents. Victims of truck accidents deserve justice, and legal action may be necessary to hold negligent companies accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in southern Texas, our experienced personal injury attorney at Guerra Law Firm PC can help. Contact us today to discuss your case.
