The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for keeping roadways safe by ensuring trucks and other commercial vehicles operate safely. To do this, the agency enforces numerous laws and regulations that truck companies, drivers, and related parties must comply with. Failure to do so leads to an increased risk of taking someone’s life. Take a closer look at some of the most common FMCSA compliance failures in Texas, and talk to a Texas 18 wheeler accident attorney if injured in a crash.
Hours of Service Violations
One of the most frequent violations of truck safety regulations concerns the length of time a truck driver spends behind the wheel. This is called the Hours-of-Service regulations. This is to ensure that the drivers receive adequate breaks while on the road. Numerous rules fall under this, such as:
- 11-hour driving limit: Truck drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours of off-duty.
- 14-hour driving limit: Drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty; off-duty time does not count toward the 14-hour limit.
- 30-minute driving break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption.
Additional rules govern the number of hours a truck driver may operate a vehicle in a week and under adverse driving conditions.
Drivers with Improper Qualifications
Another common compliance failure concerns the qualifications of the driver. To operate these 80,000-pound trucks, drivers must have specific qualifications. That includes a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and maintaining a clean driving record. Truck companies that hire drivers also must verify that the driver has this license.
Truck Maintenance and Inspections
Trucks require routine maintenance and upkeep to ensure they are safe for the road. Concerns related to tire blowouts, brake failures, and lighting failures are serious. Truck drivers must perform daily inspections in accordance with FMCSA regulations. They must also be aggressive in maintaining logs of all vehicle maintenance and repairs. Following the truck manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations helps keep people safe.
Cargo-Related Accidents and Losses
To ensure safety, trucks must operate within specified weight limits. If a truck is overloaded, the risk of it tipping over is high. Cargo companies that fail to secure materials properly can also face violation charges. These relate specifically to the risk of cargo dislodging and leading to shifts. Drivers may find it hard to control a vehicle in these situations, creating an increased risk of serious injury and even death for those struck by an uncontrolled vehicle.
Overloading a truck can damage the vehicle as well. This increases the risk of serious failures of braking and transmission systems. Cargo companies, as well as truck drivers and trucking companies, are responsible for meeting these weight and balance compliance requirements. They also must keep logs of checks for this.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Texas Truck Accident Lawyer
If you believe a truck accident caused you serious losses due to a lack of compliance with federal regulations, turn to our attorney. At The Doan Law Firm, our 99% success rate comes from the diligent work we put into every case we handle. We have over 25 years of experience working for victims. Schedule a free consultation with our Texas truck accident attorney now.