Truck Accident Lawyer
On your daily commute to work, you may see what seems like a never-ending stream of eighteen wheeler trucks. Scary due to their sheer size, you may be wary of driving near these vehicles and wonder if there are more specific laws that apply to truckers to protect you and other drivers of regular vehicles. Truck drivers do have laws that pertain to their specific use of these trucks, and these laws are usually enforced by your state’s department of transportation. These laws include restrictions on the number of consecutive hours a trucker can operate a vehicle, substance abuse testing and safety standards while driving.
Hours on the Road
Truck drivers are limited in the number of consecutive hours they are able to drive without taking a break or rest. The common requirement is that the driver must have at least 10 non-driving hours between shifts. After that, he or she is allowed a 14 hour shift, but only 11 of those hours can be spent driving. This ensures that the driver takes breaks and is not sleepy while on the road. These laws are strictly enforced, and a driver found not following these regulations can be fined or fired.
Substance Abuse Testing
Drivers are routinely tested for drug and alcohol abuse, and any signs of substance abuse is not tolerated. A failed drug test could lead to a driver losing his or her job as well as their driver’s license endorsement to drive a semi-trailer truck. This random periodic testing makes the roads safer for all drivers.
Safety Standards
Texting and answering phone calls while driving an eighteen-wheeler is strictly prohibited. Distracted driving in any vehicle is dangerous, but in a large truck it becomes even more of a reckless behavior. Drivers are sometimes allowed to use a wireless Bluetooth headset to answer calls, but typing or reading on a phone screen is not allowed.
Although everyday driving comes with many hazards and risks, laws like these that pertain to truck drivers help keep the roads safer for everyone. If you or a family member has been the unfortunate victim of an accident involving a truck and negligent behavior on behalf of the driver, you may have a case to bring against the guilty party. If the driver was under the influence, driving longer than is allowed or was driving distracted, you could talk to your attorney today about pursuing the compensation to which you are entitled. Do not wait any longer; call your lawyer today to get started.
Source: Truck Accident Lawyer Hillsville, VA, The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt