Regulatory Compliance: How Violations Can Lead to Truck Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was established by the U.S. government in 2000 to help regulate the trucking industry and improve overall safety standards throughout the country. All trucking companies and truck drivers operating in the United States must follow FMCSA regulations. Unfortunately, many truck-involved accidents are the result of someone ignoring these rules. 

When tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, or other large trucks ignore the rules, they put other drivers on the road at risk. If an accident happens, failure to follow FMCSA regulations can help prove liability and even increase damages to punish the responsible parties.  Here are some of the most commonly violated federal regulations that can lead to trucking accidents. 

Driver Hiring & Training

According to FMCSA rules, trucking companies must hire drivers with good driving records and no history of DUI/DWI violations. To be considered “safe” to drive a commercial vehicle, a driver must have earned a commercial driver’s license (CDL), ensuring they have the training necessary to operate an 18-wheeler. 

There are other requirements for drivers to get and keep a CDL. For example, drivers must be English-speaking and prove they are medically fit to operate a vehicle. Some medical conditions like seizures and sleep apnea could disqualify a driver. Also, commercial drivers will be required to undergo a background check and agree to random drug testing. 

Hours of Service

One of the biggest violations truckers and trucking companies face relates to the hours of service rules. The FMCSA controls how long a driver can operate their truck before they must take a break. 

Drivers are permitted to operate a vehicle for up to eight hours before they must take a 30-minute break. After driving for 14 hours, a truck driver must take a 10-hour break before resuming.  Drivers are not permitted to log more than 60 driving hours in a 7-day period. 

The purpose of these rules is simple — drivers who are fatigued cannot drive safely. Drivers who violate the rules or falsify driving logs can face severe penalties. 

Speeding

Speeding is a common factor in large truck accidents. It’s also a violation of FMCSA regulations. What makes speeding so dangerous with commercial trucks is that the size and weight of the vehicles make them unable to maneuver or stop quickly in an emergency situation. 

The stopping distance for an 18-wheeler is much greater than that of a regular vehicle. And speeding only compounds this problem. This is why the FMCSA requires that drivers operate trucks at safe speeds on interstates and highways, even when other drivers are going faster. 

The consequences of speeding are just too great. Trucks can cause multi-vehicle pileups that result in serious injuries or death. Drivers convicted of reckless driving could face criminal and civil penalties. 

Truck Weight & Loading

The FMCSA limits the maximum weight of a semi-truck to 80,000 pounds for travel on the interstate. Anything over this weight can make a truck too heavy to properly maneuver or stop. Also, an over weighted truck will place too much strain on the vehicle’s tires and axles, which increases the chance of an in-motion accident. 

The FMCSA also has rules related to how cargo must be loaded onto a commercial truck and secured. If a trailer isn’t loaded evenly or the center of gravity is too high, this can cause the truck to fishtail, jackknife, or tip over, resulting in a devastating accident. 

Truck Maintenance

FMCSA requires that all commercial trucks on the road be in working and safe condition. Since these vehicles often travel thousands of miles annually, they require regular inspection and maintenance. 

Trucks must have operating lights, tires, and brakes to ensure they can travel down the road safely and maneuver out of harm’s way. Brakes and tires are particularly important for trucks as they can wear out quickly, and failure while driving down the road can cause an accident. Drivers need to constantly check their tires to prevent a blowout. 

The Importance of Working with a Mississippi Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in an accident with a commercial truck, this isn’t something you want to handle on your own. Unlike conventional car accidents, there are different regulations involved and the potential for multiple responsible parties, which makes these cases complex and confusing. 

A knowledgeable car accident attorney will understand the applicable laws and know how to identify who should be held accountable for your harm. To learn more about your options and rights, contact a Mississippi Car Accident Attorney today.