Special Rules of the Road for Commercial Trucks

Safety should always be the top priority while driving. When sharing the road with big rigs, there is an added danger. When a standard vehicle is in a wreck with a semi, the results are devastating. Due to this, there are special rules on the road for drivers of commercial trucks. The FMCSA is dedicated to improving the safety of vehicles on the road, particularly commercial trucks. When it comes to truckers, there are strict rules regarding fatigue and distracted driving.

Rules for Driver Fatigue

Commercial drivers have to limit their time on the road. They cannot drive more than 11 hours after they have spent 10 hours off duty. In addition, they have limits to how much they can drive over the course of the week. If they drive for seven consecutive days, they cannot drive more than 60 hours. Drivers have to log their drive times and, in addition to the logs, they have to provide evidence of their driving. For instance, they would have to show toll receipts.

Rules for Distracted Driving

A CMV driver is not allowed to text while driving. While the first offense allows the driver to get off without disciplinary action, a second offense within three years will disqualify the driver for two months. After that, if he or she is found texting again within three years, he or she will lose their license for four months.

Initiative for Accountability

The FMCSA has a Compliance, Safety, Accountability initiative. This enforces safety guidelines on commercial truckers to help prevent accidents. The model has three different elements. These elements are measurement, evaluation, and intervention. The CSA examines a driver’s safety performance and specifically addresses a driver’s problem areas. The FMCSA may perform roadside inspections or offer voluntary safety measures. If there is a serious problem with a trucker or company, then the FMCSA can order all trucks to stop until these problems are addressed.

Trucks may be necessary for hauling cargo, but it does not change the danger that they can pose if they do not follow the regulations. The FMCSA holds commercial trucks to a higher standard than personal vehicles. The idea is that smaller passenger vehicles cannot cause the same type of damage when on the road that a big rig can. If you were involved in a trucking accident, it can be a devastating experience. For information on how to handle the next steps of your case, consult with a truck accident lawyer, like a truck accident lawyer in San Francisco, CA, as soon as possible.

Thanks to The Morales Law Firm for their insight into some of the extra rules commercial trucks have to follow on the road.