Understanding Trucking Regulations
Each state has slightly different regulations about the operation and use of commercial vehicles for intrastate and interstate transportation of goods and people. However, under federal laws set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the requirements below must be met by all commercial vehicle carriers and their drivers.
If you or a loved one was injured in a serious truck accident, contact the attorneys of Miller Weisbrod, LLP, today to discuss your case in a free consultation.
Driver Qualification
Companies have the responsibility to hire qualified drivers. To qualify, drivers must be at least 21 years old, have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and be physically capable of driving a truck, among other things. They should also not have a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Hiring unsafe drivers who do not know or ignore specific truck driving laws puts other motorists at greater risk.
Hours of Service
Under federal law, drivers may not drive more than 10 consecutive hours following eight straight hours off duty or 14 hours following 10 hours off duty. Likewise, a motor carrier cannot require a driver to drive for any period after 60 hours on duty in seven consecutive days, or 70 hours in eight consecutive days if the carrier operates trucks every day of the week. Regulations also govern time spent driving in adverse weather conditions.
If companies push drivers to drive outside these hours or encourage drivers to fudge numbers in their logbooks to make deadlines, drivers have a higher chance of succumbing to truck driver fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel, causing severe accidents.
Driver Distractions
According to the regulations set by the FMCSA, drivers are prohibited from texting while driving or using onboard computers while in motion. Most companies install lockout devices that prevent a driver from using the onboard computer while driving, but some deliberately disable these features to allow drivers to maintain communication. Distracted driving severely limits truck drivers' awareness of their surroundings as well as their response time in an emergency.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance of Vehicles
For trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds, transporting hazardous materials or carrying more than 15 people, truck drivers must perform routine inspections at the start of each day or start of the drive and report any defects. Maintenance issues that may likely cause an accident must be repaired by the trucking company before the vehicle is allowed to transport goods or people. Furthermore, motor carriers must retain accurate, updated records of inspections and repairs.
Failure to inspect or service vehicles with known defects increases the likelihood of vehicle breakdown or serious accidents. Tire blowouts, underride defects, brake failure, tractor-trailer malfunction and other issues often cause deadly multicar collisions and put both truck drivers and other motorists at risk of suffering catastrophic injuries or death.
Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation
These regulations provide direction on certain safety features and mechanical systems that semi trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers and other big rigs must have to ensure road safety. This includes lighting systems and reflectors, type and placement of reflective tape, underride protection, brakes and brake performance, tires, emergency equipment, restraint systems to prevent shifting or falling cargo, steering wheel systems, front-end structure, doors, bumpers and much more.
Dallas Attorneys Handling Truck Accidents Nationwide
The Texas attorneys of Miller Weisbrod, LLP, have seen and handled hundreds of cases involving trucking law violations such as those outlined above. Because of our significant trial experience and demonstrated record of results, we are a national leader in the fight to hold negligent interstate trucking companies to account for the injuries and deaths they cause.
For more information, we invite you to call our offices in Dallas toll free at 888.987.0005 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Texas 18-wheeler accident lawyers. You may also contact us by e-mail right away to schedule an appointment. We represent clients throughout Texas and the nation.
