Truck Safety
Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers
Commercial trucks play a vital role in the economy of our country, and there are more of them on the road than ever before. The demand for more products in less time is constantly increasing, placing intense competitive pressure on trucking companies and drivers.
With heavy loads, poor maneuverability, limited vision, and other inherent limitations, trucks pose a constant threat to other motorists. The number and frequency of truck accidents is on the rise, making the need for safety on the open road even greater.
The FMCSA’s Role in Truck Safety
In an effort to improve truck safety, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established a number of regulations that dictate the amount of weight a truck can carry, the number of consecutive hours a trucker can operate their vehicle, and other risk factors that can influence the odds of an accident occurring.
Some of the most important truck safety issues the FMCSA addresses include:
- Inspections and maintenance
- Hours of service
- Truck size and weight
- Carrier and driver licensing
- Electronic on-board devices
- Speed limits
The FMCSA also promotes safety innovations in 18-wheeler design, such as:
- Brake monitoring systems
- Rollover and jackknife prevention systems
- Collision warning systems
The risks of driving a commercial truck without following these regulations are well-documented. When a truck driver or company’s negligence leads to the injury or death of another, they can and should be held responsible.
Improving Truck Safety as a Motorist
Drivers of passenger vehicles can also help reduce the number of truck accidents by knowing how to safely drive around large commercial vehicles. Too many motorists put themselves in danger by driving in a truck’s blind spot, tailgating, or cutting a truck off – not aware of how significantly these actions can increase the risk of a truck accident.
To learn more about avoiding truck accidents as a motorist, visit Truck Accident Tips.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Maryland truck accident, please contact the experienced truck accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today for a free case evaluation. We can help you pursue the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
