Five Common Violations of FMCSA Truck Driving Laws
Transport-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial vehicles are very important to the economy, as they transport the many products consumers use every day. Unfortunately, these vehicles are extremely large and heavy, which poses a significant danger to other motorists on the road. It is for this reason that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has implemented many federal laws designed to keep everyone safe.
Unfortunately, not all truck drivers comply with these laws and when that is the case, it puts everyone in danger. Below, our San Antonio 18-wheeler accident lawyer outlines five common violations of FMCSA truck driving laws.
Outdated or Missing Logs
All drivers of commercial motor vehicles are required to record their duty status. They must record when they are driving, when they are off duty, or when they are in the cabin’s sleeper berth. Truckers must record this information for each 24-hour period. Trucking companies also have a duty to make sure their drivers are complying with the law. Inaccurate or incomplete logs cover up violations of the Hours of Service rule that limits the time truckers spend behind the wheel.
Failing to Inspect the Vehicle Pre-Trip
The FMCSA requires that all truck drivers inspect their vehicle before every trip. These inspections are critical, as they ensure that all parts of a truck are working properly and that there will not be any failures on the road. The most common mechanical failures that cause truck accidents are as follows:
- Transmission failure
- Brake failure
- Steering failure
- Tire blowouts
- Windshield wiper malfunction
- Unhinged trailers
- Windshield wiper malfunction
Non-English Speaking Drivers
Truck drivers are not required to be fluent in English to operate a vehicle. However, they must understand the language well enough to understand highway traffic signs and signals, converse with the general public, make entries on records and reports, and respond to official inquiries.
Driving While Impaired
Impaired driving is a danger regardless of the type of vehicle someone is operating. However, when an impaired driver is responsible for operating a large 18-wheeler, it becomes even more dangerous. Unfortunately, truck drivers often believe that consuming alcohol or drugs will help keep them awake on the road, allowing them to meet their deadlines more quickly. Impaired driving often results in tragedy, particularly when a large truck is involved.
Failure to Wear a Seat Belt
Wearing a seat belt when in a moving vehicle seems like a no-brainer. Just as federal law requires all occupants to wear a seat belt, the FMCSA also has specific requirements for commercial drivers. It is illegal for any commercial driver to operate a vehicle without wearing a seat belt. Tragically, hundreds of truck drivers have died due to their failure to wear a seat belt.
Our 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Can Prove Violations
If you can prove a truck driver violated federal law, it can greatly help strengthen any personal injury claim you file. At the Law Offices of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio 18-wheeler accident lawyer can prove a violation occurred and caused your crash in many cases, so you obtain the full and fair amount of compensation that you are entitled to receive. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to book a free consultation and to get the legal help you need.
Sources:
ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-392/subpart-A/section-392.7
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations
