In the trucking industry, nothing is more important than safety. Truck drivers are responsible for operating massive vehicles that can pose significant risks of injury and death if not handled with care. Obviously, it’s illegal to operate a truck (or any vehicle) when impaired, especially beyond the legal limit, but one question that often arises is, “Can a trucker drink before going on duty?” Let's take a closer look at this topic, as well as the regulations, risks, and responsibilities involved. A Zero Tolerance Policy Is in Place [...]
All truck drivers need to abide by certain regulations. One of the most important requirements is to ensure that these individuals are not under the influence when they operate any vehicle. If they test positive, it can lead to serious consequences for the driver and their employer. At the Trucking Injury Law Group, we have seen the outcome of these tragic accidents. So, what happens if a truck driver fails a drug test? Let's explore the potential consequences of a positive drug test. Drug Testing in the Trucking [...]
Even if you’ve been driving for a long time, when you have to travel near or next to a large truck, it can be intimidating. How do you know if the trucker even sees you? Or, what if they start to swerve into your lane, and you get stuck between the big rig and the concrete median that separates the highway? This begs the question: is it safe to pass a truck on the right? The quick answer is no, but it’s important to understand the reasons why [...]
Drug testing is a critical aspect of ensuring safety and compliance within the transportation industry, particularly among truck drivers. But how often do truck drivers get drug tested, and why? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported nearly half a million truck accidents in the United States in 2021, 110,000 of which included injuries. A 2018 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health study published by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) showed that 19% of commercial truck drivers reported binge drinking (5 or more drinks [...]
Truck tires are the lifeline of the transportation industry, bearing the weight of heavy loads over long distances. However, the risk of tire blowouts poses a significant concern for truck drivers and fleet operators alike. Understanding how often do truck tires blow out, along with the factors contributing to these incidents, is crucial for maintaining safety on the road and minimizing disruptions to logistics operations. In this post, we'll discuss the statistics, causes, and preventive measures surrounding truck tire blowouts. Frequency of Truck Tire Blowouts Truck tire blowouts, [...]
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that there were 4,778 large truck crashes in the US in 2020. Of those collisions, 32% of these involved at least one driver-related factor, and the leading cause of those was speeding, followed by impaired driving. In the world of commercial transportation, the speed at which semi-trucks can legally and safely travel is a topic of significant importance. Balancing the need for efficiency with the imperative of safety requires a nuanced understanding of regulations, industry standards, and practical considerations. So, [...]
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 13.8 million combination and single-unit trucks with two axles and six tires (or more) were registered here in the U.S. in 2021. While some of these numbers overlap, it’s clear that our roads see a lot of use from commercial fleet vehicles and large trucks every day. Trucks often travel long distances for each trip they take, and it’s imperative to the safety of the drivers and other road users that these commercial vehicles are maintained properly. This begs the question: How often [...]
When serious or unexplained accidents occur on our nation’s transportation system, you’ve probably heard about government organizations stepping in to investigate. This is exactly when the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) comes into play. With plane crashes or other aviation incidents, you might see agents from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in news videos at the crash site, and alongside those agents, there are usually members of the NTSB. But what exactly does the NTSB do? What is its purpose, and how does it help to make our [...]
In the world of transportation and logistics, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and efficiency on the roads. Established within the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), it is tasked with overseeing and regulating the trucking industry, among other responsibilities. Let's take a closer look at what the FMCSA is and why it is important for both businesses and the general public. Understanding What the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Is The FMCSA serves as the primary federal agency responsible [...]
Jackknifing is a terrifying situation that happens when a truck loses control and its trailer swings out to form an acute angle with the cab, resembling the shape of a folding knife. This not only endangers the driver and others on the road but also leads to significant damage and disruption of traffic. Jackknife truck accidents happen more often than most of us may think. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported almost 5,000 fatalities and more than 100,000 injuries from jackknife accidents in 2020 alone. Another [...]
