Even when truck drivers and companies follow regulations, external factors such as severe weather and poor road conditions can increase the risk of accidents. These conditions demand heightened caution from truck operators.
Because of the catastrophic damage a commercial truck can cause, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most serious violations in the trucking industry. Federal rules set stricter standards for truck drivers than for regular motorists.
Distracted driving is a growing concern across all motor vehicle accidents, but the consequences are especially severe when a distracted driver is operating an 80,000-pound commercial truck.
Fatigue is one of the leading human factors in truck accidents. Long hours on the road, demanding schedules, and insufficient rest put truck drivers at high risk of exhaustion, which can have deadly consequences.
Operating a commercial truck requires far more training and responsibility than driving a passenger car. The U.S. has established strict Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) standards to ensure only qualified and fit drivers handle large trucks.
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in the United States. To address this, the FMCSA enforces strict Hours of Service (HOS) regulations that dictate how long truck drivers can be on the road before resting.