Semi Truck Safety Becomes a Growing Issue
A semi truck driver who is accused of causing a multiple-vehicle pileup in early June 2014 may be facing felony charges after his vehicle rear-ended the back of a limousine SUV carrying comedian Tracy Morgan and six other passengers. According to an investigation launched by the National Transportation Safety Board, the driver was nearing the maximum number of hours behind the wheel as allowed by the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, although a criminal complaint filed by police accuse the driver of traveling for more than 24 consecutive hours.
According to reports, the driver was tired and did not reduce his speed to account for closing lanes ahead of him. As a result, he was allegedly traveling 65 miles per hour in a 45 mile-per-hour zone and was unable to brake to avoid hitting Morgan’s limousine. One comedian was injured and three others, Morgan included, were critically injured.
Driver Fatigue and Semi Truck Accident
The FMCSA reports that driver fatigue is the most common cause of semi truck accidents in the U.S., accounting for 20 percent of all wrecks each year. While the cause of driver fatigue can vary depending upon the driver and his trip, many semi truck drivers have admitted that they have been pressured by their employers to ignore regulations pertaining to stop and rest times in an attempt to meet an often-strict and demanding delivery schedule.
Other common causes of semi truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Defective or faulty parts, including tires and brakes
- Speeding
- Overloaded or improperly dispersed cargo
- Poor road conditions
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Can Electronic Logging Devices Help to Improve Semi Truck Safety?
In June 2014, the FMCSA released a final semi truck safety report pertaining to electronic hours of service recorders, devices that can log and keep track of hours driven and time rested for semi truck driver. The results, according to the FMCSA, show a clear semi truck safety benefit in terms of hours of service violation and crash reductions for commercial vehicles that are equipped with EHSRs. Although the agency recently changed its hours of service regulations in 2013, the FMCSA is currently facing concerns from trucking companies that wish to keep these EHSRs out of their fleets.
Have Concerns about Semi Truck Safety after an Accident in Oklahoma?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a semi truck accident in Oklahoma and you want to learn more about pursuing a claim for damages, consider contacting Attorney Group for Oklahoma. There is no cost to speak with us, and we can help answer your questions. If you decide to seek compensation for your injuries, we can connect you with a local affiliated Oklahoma attorney who can assist you in filing your semi truck accident lawsuit.
