FMCSA administrator addresses truck safety at conference
Regulations that promote safe commercial truck operations concern all motorists in Texas. An administrator from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration addressed multiple safety topics during an appearance at a conference organized by the American Trucking Association. He commented on advanced safety technology, teen truckers and proposed changes to hours-of-service regulations.
The administrator strongly encouraged trucking companies to adopt technology that assists drivers and appears capable of preventing some crashes and fatalities. He provided information about the agency’s outreach to small fleet operators and owner-operators meant to help them understand the benefits of driver-assistive technology.
Regarding the shortage of long-haul truck drivers, the administrator promoted a pilot program meant to illustrate the safety of employing drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 who have military experience. Pending legislation might eventually approve interstate truck driving by people in this age group, but safety advocates have protested the idea due to concerns about young drivers lacking sufficient experience.
The FMCSA administrator also acknowledged the controversy around some of the proposed changes to hours-of-service regulations. He admitted that some groups might mount legal challenges against the new rules. Once effective, the proposed changes would increase by 50 miles the definition of the short-haul exemption and allow truckers to drive for 14 hours instead of the current 12 hours.
When truck drivers make mistakes or commit outright violations of regulations, the resulting truck and commercial vehicle accidents could leave victims with costly injuries and sometimes permanent disabilities. A person hurt in a wreck with an 18-wheeler might gain perspective on the right to collect compensation from the responsible party by speaking with an attorney. Schedule an appointment at Husain Law to gain legal representation that might counteract an insurer’s attempts to limit payment of damages.
