Truck Safety Issues

Los Angeles Truck Catastrophy Attorneys

Truck drivers must appreciate the size and weight of their trucks and not take risks that can cause serious injuries and death to other highway drivers.

At Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, P.C., our experienced truck driver safety attorneys aggressively pursue claims against negligent truck drivers and companies. Contact us for a free initial consultation to discuss:

• Factors in large truck crashes
• Mexican trucks crossing the U.S. border
• Longer hours for truckers

By their nature, commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) require more knowledge, training, skill, and care to operate safely than do passenger vehicles, in part because they are heaver, difficult to slow and stop, hard to maneuver, and require a special driver's license and qualifications. These factors also apply to the trucking companies (motor carriers) employing the drivers. They set the tone for either truck driver safety or an operation which cuts corners, ignores unsafe drivers, and looks the other way to avoid violations.

In the 2006 Large Truck Crash Causation Study conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation ("DOT"), the following were among the top factors in large truck crashes:

• Speeding / Traveling too fast for conditions
• Unfamiliarity with roadway or vehicle
• Driver fatigue 
• Work-related pressure 
• Inattention 
• Aggressive driving behavior (tailgating, weaving, other) 
• Brake failure 
• Cargo shift 
• Alcohol or drug use

Mexican Trucks to Start Crossing U.S. Border

The US DOT announced in February 2007 its new Cross Border Truck Safety Inspections Program that will allow U.S. trucks to cross the border into Mexico and allow a "select group" of Mexican trucking companies to make deliveries beyond the 20-25 mile commercial zone currently in place along the Southwest border.

The first Mexican trucks to be authorized under the program will begin traveling beyond U.S. borders most likely by the end of 2007. The potential increase in serious truck accidents caused by more big rigs on U.S. highways is cause for great concern. Despite public outcry and safety concerns, The DOT is proceeding with the program.

Truckers Allowed to Drive Longer Hours

The 2005 Trucker Hours-of-Service Rule seems to counteract truck driver safety. It increases the amount of consecutive hours a trucker can drive and the hours he or she can drive weekly.

Contact Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, P.C. concerning truck driver safety.