TRUCKING REGULATIONS

St. Louis, Kansas City, and Jefferson City, Missouri

 

There are more than two million 18-wheelers on our nation’s roads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proposed, and Congress has enacted into law, many trucking regulations to safeguard motorists. However, to maximize profits, trucking companies often disregard them. Truck drivers may also disregard them to meet unrealistic deadlines imposed by their employers.

 

After a big rig accident, try to contact a truck accident attorney who can fully investigate your case and determine whether trucking regulations were broken and if you are entitled to compensation.

 

Truck Braking System Regulations

 

Even though the federal government has enacted laws governing truck brakes, faulty brakes are frequently the cause of many 18-wheeler accidents. In order to prevent brake failure, the federal government requires a truck to:

 

• Come to a stop from 20 miles per hour at a rate relative to its size
• Employ a braking force at least equal to a certain percentage of its weight
• Meet automatic brake adjustment system requirements if it is equipped with a hydraulic brake system
• Meet the appropriate requirements if it is equipped with air brakes

 

Driver’s Log

 

Commercial truck drivers are required to carry and accurately record a driving log. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has formulated trucking regulations that regulate the number of hours a driver is allowed to drive before taking a break, a minimum number of rest periods, and the number of hours he/she can work in seven consecutive days.

 

Companies must retain a driver’s log records for six months. If a truck accident occurs and the driver’s log shows the hours of service exceeded federal restrictions, trucking companies and drivers may be held accountable for any injuries caused by this violation.

 

Drug and Alcohol Screening

 

Trucking companies must screen potential employees for drug and alcohol use and may give random drug tests to their drivers. If a driver tests positive or refuses a test, he or she may be disciplined and forbidden to operate a semi truck.

 

Commercial Driver’s License and Insurance

 

Federal trucking regulations mandate that drivers of commercial vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds must have a commercial driver’s license.

 

Other Trucking Regulations

 

Truck drivers are required to:

 

• Safely load cargo
• Adhere to traffic regulations

• Inspect mechanical truck systems

• Activate hazard lights within ten minutes of stopping on the highway

 

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a tractor trailer accident in St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City or anywhere in the state of Missouri, please contact our truck accident attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation at no cost to you.