Federal Trucking Regulations to Help Prevent Truck Accidents

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it’s crucial to have a personal injury lawyer experienced in truck accidents advocating for you. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our car accident law firm has extensive experience handling these complex cases. We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

What Are the Federal Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations and How Do They Help Prevent Truck Accidents?

The Federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are designed to prevent truck driver fatigue, a major factor in truck accidents. These regulations specify the maximum number of hours a commercial truck driver is allowed to drive in a given period, as well as mandatory rest periods to ensure drivers are well-rested and alert. The primary HOS rules include:

• Daily driving limits: Truck drivers are not permitted to drive more than 11 hours within a 14-hour period after having 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• Weekly driving limits: Truck drivers are limited to 60 hours of driving within a seven-day period or 70 hours within an eight-day period, depending on the carrier’s schedule.
• Rest periods: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 consecutive hours, and they must take at least 10 hours off duty before starting another shift.

By enforcing these limits, HOS regulations aim to prevent drivers from becoming overly fatigued, which can impair reaction time, judgment, and focus. These regulations are a critical tool in reducing accidents caused by driver fatigue.

How Do Vehicle Maintenance Regulations Contribute to Preventing Truck Accidents?

Federal regulations require that trucking companies perform regular maintenance and inspections of their vehicles to ensure that trucks are in safe operating condition. These vehicle maintenance rules, outlined by the FMCSA, are designed to prevent accidents caused by equipment failure. Key maintenance-related regulations include:

• Pre-trip inspections: Truck drivers are required to perform a thorough pre-trip inspection before starting their routes. This includes checking brakes, tires, lights, and other vital components to ensure everything is functioning properly.
• Regular vehicle inspections and Repairs: Commercial vehicles must undergo routine inspections and maintenance based on mileage or time intervals, with records kept to demonstrate compliance.
• Brake and tire maintenance: Special attention must be paid to critical components like brakes and tires, as failures in these areas are often associated with serious accidents.

By ensuring that trucks are in safe operating condition, these regulations help prevent accidents that could occur due to faulty equipment or mechanical failure.

What Are the Federal Regulations Regarding Distracted Driving for Truck Drivers?

Distracted driving is a significant cause of truck accidents, and the FMCSA has implemented regulations to minimize distractions for truck drivers while on the road. The federal rules concerning distracted driving include:

• Mobile phone use: The FMCSA prohibits truck drivers from texting while driving, and limits the use of handheld mobile phones. Drivers are permitted to use hands-free devices, but they are not allowed to engage in texting, emailing, or using the phone for non-driving purposes while driving.
• In-cab distractions: The regulations also limit other in-cab distractions that may impair the driver’s attention, such as excessive use of radios, GPS devices, or other non-essential equipment while the vehicle is in motion.

These regulations are intended to ensure that truck drivers remain focused on the road and avoid dangerous distractions that could lead to accidents. By reducing the opportunity for distractions, truck drivers can maintain better control of their vehicles and make timely decisions to prevent accidents.

What Role Does Training and Qualification Play in Preventing Truck Accidents?

Federal regulations require that truck drivers undergo specific training and meet certain qualifications before they are allowed to operate commercial vehicles. These requirements are critical in ensuring that drivers have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate their trucks. Some of the key regulations regarding driver qualifications include:

• CDL requirements: Truck drivers must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which involves passing written and practical tests to demonstrate proficiency in safe driving practices, vehicle operation, and regulatory compliance.
• Driver health requirements: Truck drivers must meet medical standards to ensure they are physically capable of safely operating large vehicles. This includes regular health checks to monitor issues such as vision, hearing, and physical impairments.
• Ongoing safety training: Drivers are required to complete periodic safety training, which covers topics like defensive driving, road safety, hazardous materials handling, and accident prevention.

These regulations help ensure that only qualified and properly trained individuals operate commercial trucks, reducing the risk of accidents due to inexperience or poor driving practices.

How Can Your Personal Injury Law Firm Help?

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, do not try to deal with the trucking company and its insurance company on your own. Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help get you the compensation you are entitled to. We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.