Commercial trucks on the highways and other roadways can be dangerous. These are massive vehicles that can cause catastrophic damage and injury when driven recklessly. The question that most drivers have after being in an accident is whether there are regulations that can make the roads safer with truckers. Do they have rules that they need to follow? The answer is yes, they have rules above and beyond normal traffic rules. Here is what those regulations seek to avoid.
Fatigued Driving Accidents
Fatigued accidents are among those that are most common when it comes to truckers. Truckers work long hours and some trucking companies will incentivize working harder and driving longer hours. It is the DOT that tries to make it harder for companies to push truckers to work harder. For instance, truckers can only drive for 11 hours at a time and this is only after that trucker has had at least 10 hours off duty. If a trucker has 8 hours off duty, then he or she can drive for a maximum of 10 hours. A person cannot, however drive more than 14 hours following being off duty for 10 hours. Now, drivers are never allowed to drive over 14 hours and it is up to them to log these hours.
This is supposed to keep drivers from being tired behind the wheel. Fatigued driving is reckless driving. Unfortunately, some trucking companies will push their drivers to ignore the regulations for the sake of the bottom line. The DOT, however, seeks to regulate driving hours to avoid fatigued driving accidents.
DUI Accidents
DUIS are very serious for all drivers. It is illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If a trucker uses drugs or alcohol, then he or she is liable to lose his or her commercial license. Truckers must undergo drug testing. These tests may include urine tests but also hair testing. Hair testing could potentially reveal whether a trucker uses drugs over the course of a couple of months.
In the trucking industry, there are rules and regulations that truckers have to follow. These regulations set down by the federal government and Department of Transportation are there help prevent accidents on the roadways involving truckers. These regulations can help alleviate reckless driving. If you were involved in a trucking accident, however, it may be the fault of the trucker or trucking company. Set up a consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Hillsville, VA today to discover your options.
Thanks to The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for their insight into personal injury claims and federal regulations to decrease truck accidents.