Semi-trucks are large, heavy and difficult to operate. If the professionals driving them make mistakes, they can cause crashes with life-altering consequences for other people. To help protect the public, there are numerous federal statutes that apply to semi-trucks but not to passenger vehicles.
Commercial drivers should consistently follow those rules in addition to basic traffic statutes, such as adhering to the speed limit. Drivers who end up involved in collisions where a commercial truck was at fault may wonder if they have grounds to pursue compensation. In scenarios where they can establish that a truck driver may have violated one of the three crucial rules outlined below, they may have grounds for an insurance claim or possibly even a personal injury lawsuit.
Hours of Service rules
Fatigue can be very dangerous for all motorists, as it affects driving performance. Drowsy drivers often display many of the same impairments that those who are under the influence of alcohol develop. For example, they have longer reaction times and more difficulty making the right decision in unusual traffic circumstances. The Hours of Service rules limit how long truckers are at the wheel per day and over a seven or eight-day period. Commercial drivers who stay on the road for too long can cause preventable collisions due to their exhaustion.
Stricter alcohol rules
Every driver has to monitor their alcohol intake to ensure compliance with legal limits. Even those with a high tolerance can be at risk of drunk driving charges if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) goes over the statutory limit. For most drivers who are old enough to legally drink, it becomes illegal to drive when their BAC reaches 0.08% or higher. For those in control of a commercial vehicle, the BAC limit that applies is 0.04%. At that level, a commercial driver may not notice any signs of impairment but could still be over the threshold and at risk of prosecution.
The federal no-text rule
Rules about distracted driving exist on a state-by-state basis. Most states have enacted some rules prohibiting the manual use of a mobile phone, but the exact rules and the penalties that apply are different in every jurisdiction. To remove confusion and limit violations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented a no-text rule that applies in every state. Those operating commercial vehicles generally cannot use a mobile device manually without violating the rule and putting their career at risk.
When truck drivers make unsafe choices, other people may end up paying the price. Recognizing potential violations can help those seeking compensation after a semi-truck crash to pursue justice effectively.