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Regulators Seek New Safety Rules for Truckers
Learn more about proposed regulations for truckers and how they could keep you safer on the road.
July 31, 2011 /Automotive PR News/ -- In the last five years, deadly accidents involving semis and other large commercial vehicles have actually declined: in 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 3,197 fatal semi truck crashes, a 20 percent drop compared to 2008. Still, some experts warn that the decrease in deaths could be due to fewer miles being driven in a slow economy, meaning that the numbers could begin to creep up again as economic conditions improve.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been exploring ways to keep trucking fatalities down and make the roads safer for everyone.
Fewer Hours Behind the Wheel Could Reduce Truck Crashes
In May, the NTSB began holding meetings to discuss truck and bus safety. Government officials, industry insiders, and safety experts have all brought recommendations to NTSB members.
The Obama administration has also been vocal in its support of more stringent trucking regulations. The NHTSA estimates that over 30 percent of trucking accidents are caused by driver fatigue. Due to this statistic, the Obama administration would like to lower the legally permissible time limit behind the wheel from 11 hours to 10 hours for commercial drivers. Mandatory breaks, limits on non-driving work hours, and lengthier rest periods between full workweeks would all operate in conjunction with the shorter driving time.
Technological Assistance
High-tech fixes for commercial vehicle safety issues are also on the table for the NTSB. Vehicle tracking systems that monitor driver behavior and ensure compliance with behind-the-wheel time limits have been available for some time; many safety advocates would like to see these devices installed on all commercial vehicles.
Onboard electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control, and automatic warning mechanisms -- safety features that are standard issue for trucks in many countries -- are also beginning to gain traction in the United States. But, without a uniform federal standard, progress has been slow in equipping vehicles with these potentially life-saving technologies.
Truck Accidents Kill Thousands Every Year
Even though overall fatalities due to large truck crashes are down, thousands of Americans are still killed and injured every year in commercial vehicle accidents. In California, alone, there were 274 large truck fatalities in 2009. California trucking accident attorneys have helped recover compensation for the victims' families.
These accidents are life-changing events. With additional safety regulations in place, deadly truck accidents could be further reduced.
If you or a family member has been harmed in an accident with a commercial vehicle, contact a Sacramento personal injury attorney today to discuss your legal options.
Article provided by Ashton & Price, LLP
Visit us at www.ashtonandprice.com
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