They’re big, they’re loud and they can be intimidating. We’re talking about tractor trailers, and plenty of motorists worry when they see one in their rearview mirror. If you’re one of them, it can be helpful to learn that there are lots of regulations in place to ensure truck drivers are operating safely.
How Many Trucks Are on The Road
The trucking industry is critical to the U.S. economy, transporting billions of dollars worth of products every year. There are about 2.8 million semitrucks registered across the country, and the Federal Highway Administration estimates long-distance trucks drive more than 100,000 each year, comprising 42 percent of all commercial miles driven. But they aren’t without their problems. In fact, large trucks are involved in thousands of crashes each year. Luckily, there are plenty of rules in place to minimize such incidents.
Limited Driving Time
Truck drivers are limited in how long they can drive. Truck companies require drivers to keep a strict log of how long they have driven, with breaks mandatory after so many miles a day. The goal is to minimize driver fatigue. Tired drivers are believed to be one of the biggest causes of serious truck crashes.
Truck Maintenance
It’s required that truck companies maintain their trucks in top condition. From defective brakes to faulty tires, any of these malfunctions can cause serious problems in a car. In a truck, with tons of goods in its trailer, the stakes are even higher. Companies must meet strict regulatory standards for maintenance and repair. If they fail them, they face repercussions. Such maintenance can be expensive, especially for a large fleet, but it’s critical to ensuring trucks are safe on the road.
Proper Cargo Security
Threats from trucks aren’t limited to vehicle malfunctions. Sometimes the actual cargo can become a problem if, for instance, some of it comes loose and falls into the road or onto another vehicle. Companies are required to secure cargo on trucks in accordance with specific regulation standards. These minimize cargo coming off trucks, but also manage the weight of trucks to ensure they aren’t imbalanced and likely to tip over.
Trucks perform a critical service for the economy, transporting everything from clothes and shoes to ovens and industrial parts from one coast to the other. They benefit everyone, but only when they’re safe. If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident and believe any of the above rules was violated, don’t hesitate to call an experienced Philadelphia truck accident lawyer from Wieand Law Firm, LLC.
