Trucking Regulations
The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates the commercial trucking industry through the F.M.C.S.A. (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). The FMCSA provides the trucking companies and drivers with regulations as well as the trucks.
Regulations are created to protect the truck drivers as well as passenger vehicles and other motorist who share the road and highways together. Most trucking regulations are directed towards the drivers but there are regulations which concern the trucking companies and the vehicles. Some of the regulations are: number of hours a truck driver can be on the road before taking a break or sleeping and drug testing, Commercial truck drivers are required to meet all state and federal regulations.
Regulation Types
Regulations regarding commercial vehicles and their drivers can have an impact on the companies who employ drivers and the maintenance which is required for the trucks and the trailers. The following is a quick glance at some of the regulations that can affect the trucking companies and the truck drivers:
- Alcohol & Drug Testing – Any Commercial Driver Licensed (CDL) person is subject to alcohol and/or substance abuse drug testing after being involved in an accident, before being hired, any suspicious driving or behavior on or off the road or could be randomly drug tested.
- CDL or Commercial Driver’s License is required for anyone to operate a commercial vehicle. A CDL carries its own set of regulations and requirements.
- Hours of Service Regulations – This regulation governs the amount of time a commercial driver can operate a truck in 24 hour period as well as how many hours in a week and so on.
Trucking Maintenance
Commercial vehicles can weigh anywhere from 60,000 to close to 80,000 pounds when they are fully loaded with the trailer in tow. This amount of weight being hauled can pose a serious threat to motor vehicles and their passengers when accidents occur caused by a maintenance issue or equipment failure due to improper maintenance. Truck parts must be serviced and maintenance at scheduled and timely periods to help prevent part breakdowns.
Commercial trucks are driven from ports to cities across the U.S. and thousands of miles are driven. These trucks must be maintained on a strict timeframe to prevent the breakdown of many different components from brakes to engine parts. Truck companies are required by the regulations set forth to maintain and inspect their trucks and trailers to help prevent parts from breaking down while driving. Motorists are injured every year due to poorly maintained trucks and trailers.
Truck Maintenance Issues
Commercial trucks must have scheduled maintenance performed. The companies who own the trucks are requited and ultimately are responsible for correcting any part or component which shows any sign of wear or breakdown before an accident occurs. The following are possible issues with commercial trucks which could cause devastating and lifelong effects on passenger vehicles and their occupants:
- Trailer Maintenance Issues
- Brake Inspection
- Tire Inspection
- Engine Inspection
Maintenance helps prevent brake failure, tire failure, engine failure and many other potentially dangerous situations where a truck driver can no longer safely control his/her 80,000 pound load going 70 miles per hour down a busy highway. This common occurrence puts innocent lives at risk every day and can be avoided by routine scheduled maintenance.
T.A.H.C. can assist you or a loved one who has been injured in a trucking accident due to poor maintenance or any other reason. Contact us here by our toll free number 1.888.898.0639 or fill out our contact form above. Someone will be in touch with you shortly and be able to help answer your questions and concerns.