There are a number of organizations - MADD among them - that feel the federal regulations related to truck drivers, truck companies and driving are not stringent enough - and only minimally effective in preventing 18 wheeler accidents.
Frankly, there are hundreds of rules on the books that address everything from truck vehicle parts to all aspects of driver expectations. With this in mind one might think that semi truck transportation would be one of the safest types of transportation in the United States.
Unfortunately, rules and regulations often do not translate into optimum conditions in real-time driving and truckers often disregard the regulations which lead to tractor-trailer accidents.
For the purposes of this blog let us consider motor vehicle safety regulations. While there are general regulations that offer both a scope and definitions related to semi trucks - there are hundreds of specific rules that govern all aspects of the components of an 18 wheeler. This includes the display panel, the windshield and defrosters, hydraulic brakes, brake hoses and brake fluid, mirrors and tires, warning devices, head restraints and impact protection for the driver against the steering control system, occupant crash protection, seat belt assemblies, door locks, rear impact guards, flammability of interior materials and fuel system integrity.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations amount to over 400 pages not including official interpretations of the rules.
The origins of these rules can be traced to the U.S. Department of Transportation - specifically the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Regulations begin as proposed rules - and then are considered by legislators before becoming 'interim final rules'. The final step is for a rule to be accepted by the Department of Transportation and incorporated into the series of legal regulations.
The website has been referenced below for those who are interested.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/truck/vehicle/truck-vehicle.htm
If you have been injured in a truck accident and are seeking a Texas truck accident attorney find one who knows the FMCSR inside and out. If the 18 wheeler accident lawyer does not know the rules by heart, they may not be the right attorney for your case.
