In order to ensure the safety of passenger cars and other drivers, certain trucking regulations have been established. Due to their enormous size and weight, trucks pose a serious risk to all vehicles on the road. Both driver error and mechanical malfunction can cause trucks to become unstable and lead to serious injury or even death. Do not hesitate in contacting Charleston trucking accident lawyers if you or someone you love is hit by a truck.
Following are some of the safety regulations on trucking:
- Qualifications: In order for a person to become a truck driver, he or she must be 21 years old, speak English, be physically able to safely operate a truck, and have a valid commercial drivers license. Additionally, he or she must not have a history of driving while intoxicated, committing a felony, or leaving the scene of an accident.
- Inspection and maintenance: If a truck is in poor condition or likely to break down, the driver is forbidden to operate it. All commercial drivers must inspect their vehicle at the beginning and end of each day. The next driver must review the inspection report of the previous driver. If any defects are noted, the truck may not be used until the problems are remedied.
- Maximum driving time: Experienced Charleston trucking accident lawyers can tell you that one of most common causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers are forbidden to drive more than ten hours straight after being off duty for eight hours. Additionally, truck drivers cannot operate their vehicle for more than 60 hours in a seven day period.
- Drug tests: Commercial drivers must be tested for drugs before being hired. If a driver refuses to be tested, he or she will be disciplined as if he or she tested positive for drugs.
In addition to the above laws, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations have many other provisions to protect all other drivers on the road from unsafe truck drivers. For more information, or to file a claim, contact Aiken trucking accident lawyers immediately.
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