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 [...]
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 you’re traveling along a highway or interstate, you’ve probably seen semi-trucks parked on the shoulder of either the highway itself or the off-ramp service road. You may have noticed that a number of these trucks have their lights off and appear to be empty with no apparent emergency taking place. That’s because truck drivers are required by federal regulations to stop and sleep after a certain amount of time on the road and they tend to pull off wherever is most convenient for them. But are big [...]
Truck accidents happen every day. We see the devastating aftermath on the side of highways or interstates. So, what happens if you’re involved in a collision with a semi-truck, and although you walk away physically unharmed, you now have a fear of being behind the wheel of a car? In this post, we’ll discuss what vehophobia is, facts about truck accidents, and what help is available to you in the aftermath of your truck accident. Explaining Vehophobia Simply put, vehophobia is the fear of driving, and it can [...]
In today's world, technology plays a role in almost every aspect of our lives, including the transportation industry. Driver-facing cameras are starting to gain in popularity. These cameras are installed in the cab to monitor the driver's actions, reactions, and behavior on the road. Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that more than 5,900 lives were lost due to trucking accidents in 2022. Something must be done to prevent further incidents on the road. One answer may be driver-facing cameras. But is there evidence that [...]
Safety is paramount in the trucking industry. With long hours spent on the road, truck drivers face numerous challenges, including fatigue, stress, and the temptation to use substances to cope with the demands of their job. While strict regulations govern drug use among commercial drivers, some individuals still engage in substance misuse, posing risks not only to themselves but also to other road users. When these accidents happen, it’s vital to consult with a qualified truck accident lawyer to ensure that you get justice and your rights are [...]
If you think about all the factors that result in crashes, a motorist's inability to fully slow their vehicle to a halt in time to avoid running a red light or stop sign or colliding with the rear of another automobile is at the top of that list. Wrecks like these aren't unique to passenger cars, though. They commonly affect tractor-trailers, too. That's why it can be helpful for drivers to know the braking distance for large trucks. Continue reading as we'll go into the ins and outs [...]
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), then you most likely already know what a pre-trip inspection is. However, those of us who only typically drive passenger cars might not be aware of this requirement and what exactly it obligates a tractor-trailer or operator of another commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to do. We'll answer all of those questions below. What Is the Federal Regulation That Mandates Pre-Trip Inspections? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rule 392.7 requires truckers to perform pre-trip inspections to confirm the commercial [...]
In the bustling world of transportation, truck drivers play a pivotal role in keeping goods moving across our nation. However, there's a silent threat that can compromise the safety of our roads – sleep apnea. Accidents resulting from driver fatigue number more than 100,000 per year in the US alone. These accidents cause 71,000 injuries and 800 preventable deaths on average and cost up to $20 billion annually, with an average cost per accident of $91,000. (more…)
In the vast network of roads and highways that crisscross our nation, ensuring the safety of both truck drivers and other drivers is of paramount importance. The regulatory framework governing the trucking industry plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and maintaining road safety. (more…)
