The Trucking Laws in Place to Make the Roads Safer

It can be intimidating to drive alongside a big truck. The enormous mass and momentum these vehicles have make them incredibly dangerous in the event of an accident. Fortunately, there are nation-wide regulations in place that govern truck drivers specifically to minimize the chances of an accident involving one of these trucks. Learn more about these regulations in this guide. 

Distracted Drivers
The biggest cause of accidents, regardless of whether it is a big truck or a small car, is the driver being distracted. Texting in particular causes many accidents. Texting while driving is illegal, but regulations put extra punishment in place for truck drivers who violate this law. The second time a trucker is found to have been texting while driving within three years, he or she is suspended for 60 days. The third time, the driver is suspended for 120 days. There are also regulations in place that govern where screens that can receive a television broadcast can be placed in the truck, although there are no punishments in place for violating these regulations.

Fatigued Drivers
Truckers spend a huge amount of time on the road, which leads to fatigue, and can lead to accidents. This is why limits are placed on how much truckers can drive. They cannot drive for more than 11 hours at a time and must take a break of at least 10 hours before driving again. Additionally, truckers cannot drive more than 60 hours in seven consecutive days, or 70 hours in eight consecutive days.

Driving Under the Influence
It is completely illegal for any driver — trucker or otherwise — to drive while under the influence of alcohol or another mind-altering substance. The severe punishment for violating this law is the primary way truckers are punished for driving under the influence. On top of that, trucking companies are required to do random drug testing regularly to catch any truckers who take illicit substances.

Accountability
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the primary organization that sets these regulations and enforces them. A yearly review is done to evaluate every trucker’s ability to do the job safely and consistently. Anyone who is found to be a danger on the road is removed from the position. Every year, hundreds of unsafe truckers are removed from their position, making the roads safer year after year. The trucking regulations are constantly evaluated and updated to keep up with the changing world of long-distance trucking and the evolving working standards in the world.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, contact  a trucking accident lawyer, like a Woodland Hills trucking accident lawyer, to see if you would have a case in court. 

Thanks to Barry P. Goldberg, A Professional Law Corporation for their insight into the trucking laws that are in place to make roads safer for everyone.