Federal Trucking Regulations You Should Know About
Nashville is considered one of the nation’s most challenging freight choke points, and all that truck traffic comes with a heightened risk of truck accidents. There are, however, important federal trucking regulations in place that are designed to help keep everyone on our roads safer. Having a clear understanding of the applicable rules can help you better protect yourself. And if a truck driver’s negligence has injured you, our experienced Nashville truck accident attorneys at Bednarz & Bednarz are standing by to help.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the federal trucking regulations that carefully govern all commercial truck operations in the nation. The safety regulations break down into several important categories.
Truck Driver Qualifications
Operating an 18-wheeler safely is far more challenging than driving a car and carries far greater risk. As a result, truckers must be at least 21 years old. In addition, they must hold a commercial driver’s license that corresponds to the type of truck they operate and must pass a medical exam every two years.
Drug and Alcohol Testing for Truck Drivers
The federal government has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to impairment behind the wheel of a semi. As such, trucking companies are required to screen candidates before hire and to conduct random testing that meets the minimum testing rates. In addition, carriers must conduct queries for new hires through the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to ensure they have no unresolved violations.
Hours of Service Regulations for Truckers
The trucking industry runs on an extremely tight schedule that shows no signs of slowing down. In response, the federal government implements careful hours of service regulations to help keep dangerously drowsy truck drivers off our roadways. Basic restrictions include the following:
- Truckers are limited to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour stretch of on-duty time.
- A 30-minute break is required after eight hours of driving.
- Truckers are prohibited from driving after 60 cumulative on-duty hours in a seven-day period or 70 cumulative hours in an eight-day period. A reset period of at least 34 hours is required in between.
The Truck Itself
FMCSA also regulates trucking companies and truck drivers regarding the safety of the rigs they operate. This includes strict requirements to perform daily vehicle inspections and generate corresponding reports, as well as to keep complete maintenance files.
In addition, there are exacting requirements that relate to cargo securement. These address proper weight distribution as well as tie-down regulations.
Turn to Our Experienced Nashville Truck Accident Lawyers for the Help You Need
Our knowledgeable Nashville truck accident attorneys at Bednarz & Bednarz appreciate the magnitude of loss associated with truck accidents, and we will spare no effort in our skilled pursuit of the compensation you deserve. For more information about everything we can do to help, please don’t wait to contact us online or give our firm a call at 615-623-8789 today.
