During the holiday travel season, highways across the country are packed with drivers. Many of these drivers are truckers who are charged with delivering shipments before Christmas. The increased need for shipping services during the holidays results in more trucks on the roads, and sadly, more traffic accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) strives to keep drivers safe by creating rules and regulations regarding trucks and their drivers. If you are concerned about large trucks this holiday season, the following information may prove to be useful.
FMSCSA Rules and Trucking
Despite the FMCSA’s best efforts, some truckers and trucking companies simply refuse to follow regulations. Unfortunately, most of these regulations were created with accident prevention in mind, and when they are ignored, the lives of the numerous drivers are placed at risk. The FMCSA drafts trucking rules regarding the following:
- Service hours
- Vehicle maintenance
- Driver conduct
- Use of illegal substances and alcohol
- Transporting hazardous materials
- Cargo loading
During the holiday season, many truckers are encouraged to make as many deliveries as possible at any cost. They often work long and unhealthy hours in order to achieve trucking goals, and many truckers suffer from fatigue and sleep deprivation. Both of these issues are a major factor in many trucking accidents.
Hazards Posed by Large Trucks
When a passenger vehicle collides with a large truck, its driver is at a higher risk of injury and death. A truck’s massive size and weight can easily crush a regular car, SUV, or truck, and cause harm to the individuals inside. A significant portion of traffic accidents during the holidays are caused by large trucks, and when you are involved in an accident, you may be able to file a claim. When trucking companies engage in the following activities, their drivers are more likely to cause an accident:
- Failing to properly train or hire professional drivers.
- Encouraging drivers to forego rest or work long hours.
- Allowing truckers to work in unsafe weather conditions.
- Failing to adequately inspect vehicles and perform maintenance.
- Improperly securing cargo.
FMSCA rules are in place to keep drivers safe, and when negligent trucking companies or inexperienced truck drivers refuse to follow them, the highways become unsafe.
Understand Your Options
If you have been involved in a truck accident, you may be wondering about your legal options. Here at Guster Law Firm, LLC, an Alabama truck accident lawyer can help you better understand them. We know how to deal with trucking companies, and we promise to work hard for you and your family. Contact our office at (205) 581-9777 to schedule a consultation.