Truck drivers are vital to commerce, but their trucks present a significant risk on the roads if not carefully operated. Because of their size and weight, truck accidents are often catastrophic and are commonly caused by driver violations. Below are some of the most common truck driver violations that contribute to road accidents.
Fatigue and Hours of Service (HOS) Violations
Truck drivers often work under strict deadlines, leading them to drive long hours without adequate rest. However, federal regulations govern how many hours a trucker can drive without a break, known as the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
Under these regulations, truck drivers can only drive up to 11 hours after ten consecutive hours off duty and cannot exceed 60 hours of driving within seven days or 70 hours over eight days. When drivers violate these regulations and continue to drive despite being tired, they increase the likelihood of accidents. Fatigue reduces alertness, slows reaction time, and impairs judgment, making it a leading cause of truck accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is dangerous for any driver but it’s especially dangerous for truck drivers operating large, heavy vehicles. Common distractions include:
- Texting or otherwise using a phone
- Eating and drinking
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Taking to passengers or using a CB radio
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits truck drivers from texting while driving and limits any use of mobile devices. However, despite these regulations, many truck drivers still engage in distracted driving. Given the size and reduced maneuverability of commercial trucks, even a few seconds of distraction can have deadly consequences.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Truck drivers under pressure to meet tight deadlines may speed or drive aggressively. This is a major safety issue because speeding dramatically increases a truck’s stopping distance, especially when it’s fully loaded. The stopping distance is even longer in bad weather or on poorly maintained roads.
Reckless driving behaviors include:
- Tailgating
- Frequent lane changes
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Failing to yield
These actions make it difficult for other drivers to predict the truck’s movements, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Speeding is particularly dangerous for trucks because their weight makes it harder for them to slow down or stop, leading to more severe accidents when they collide with another vehicle.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious violation that applies to all drivers but is especially dangerous for truck drivers. The FMCSA has strict regulations regarding alcohol and drug use. Truck drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing. They are prohibited from driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher, which is lower than the legal limit for non-commercial drivers.
Despite these regulations, some truck drivers work under the influence. This impairs their judgment, reduces reaction time, increases risk-taking behavior, and diminishes their overall awareness on the road.
Improper Loading or Overloading
Improperly loaded cargo is a frequent cause of truck accidents. When cargo is not evenly distributed, it can shift during transit, making the truck unbalanced and more likely to tip over, especially on curves or during sudden maneuvers. Additionally, overloading a truck beyond its weight capacity increases the risk of mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts.
Federal regulations outline the weight limits for different types of trucks, but violations still occur, either because of negligence or intentional overloading to increase profits. Overloaded trucks have longer stopping distances, making it harder to avoid collisions, and are more susceptible to rollovers.
Failure to Inspect and Maintain the Vehicle
Truck drivers and their employers are required to perform regular inspections and maintenance on their trucks. Failing to do so can lead to equipment malfunctions that cause accidents. Common maintenance issues that contribute to truck accidents include:
- Brake failures: Trucks rely on a complex braking system that requires regular inspections. Brake failure can lead to devastating accidents, especially on downhill slopes or in traffic.
- Tire blowouts: Worn or under-inflated tires can cause a blowout, leading to a loss of control.
- Steering system failures: A malfunctioning steering system can make it difficult for the driver to maintain control, particularly at high speeds.
Inadequate Training or Inexperience
Operating a commercial truck requires specialized skills and training. Drivers must be familiar with handling heavy loads, navigating tight turns, and controlling the vehicle in various weather conditions. Unfortunately, some drivers are either inadequately trained or lack the experience needed to operate their vehicles safely. Inexperience can lead to poor decision-making, especially in high-pressure situations, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been involved in a personal injury incident, seeking legal advice is essential to protect your rights. Our legal team has more than 40 years of experience seeking justice for accident victims. Our attorneys have sought and won millions of dollars for our injured clients.
Call 850-601-1111 to schedule a complimentary consultation with no obligations. This consultation will help you explore your legal options. Let us help you fight for fair compensation.
Chris received his Juris Doctorate from Florida State University College of Law in 2008, and he was admitted to the Florida Bar in December of 2008 followed by the State Bar of Texas in May of 2009. He has litigated, mediated, and resolved over five hundred first-party storm damage claims, and he has litigated, mediated, and successfully resolved multiple major construction defect claims with recoveries in excess of $1,800,000.00.
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