Semi trucks are extremely large in size and weigh even more than an ordinary trailer-truck. The impact of a collision is frequently catastrophic to pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, or automobile drivers and their passengers.
Due to the size and weight of semi trucks, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issues regulations to ensure that semi truck drivers are qualified to safely operate these enormous vehicles. Each driver is required to undergo specialized training and pass an exam that tests whether that driver has the skills to safely operate a semi tractor trailer truck. A passing score earns the individual a commercial driver’s license and semi driver is required to undergo periodic training and road tests to make sure they continue to maintain the skills necessary to drive these large trucks.
In addition, semi trucks have large blind spots at the front, back and each side of the truck. When a car is driving within the truck’s blind spot, the semi truck operator can not see it. If the driver tries to make a left or right turn, it can easily collide with any vehicles traveling behind or alongside it.
Tampa Tractor Trailer Safety Concerns
How many hours an 18 wheeler driver has been driving and how tired he or she is as a result is a major safety issue in the trucking industry and one that is regulated to try and reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and deaths involving semi-trucks.
In order to address the problem of exhausted semi truck drivers causing accidents, rules have been issued to regulate the number of hours a semi truck driver can drive or be on duty before he or she has to take a break. A tractor trailer operator can drive for 11 hours in a 14-hour period before the driver must take a break for at least 10 hours, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Eleven hours is a long time to be driving while constantly staying alert and maintaining the ability to make quick reactions and there are groups lobbying to bring this number down to a standard eight-hour workday.
If you’ve been injured or suffered a loss due to a collision with a semi-truck, you are likely due for compensation that will only be offered in the settlement of a lawsuit. Please contact Tampa truck accident lawyer Timothy G. Anderson for a consultation to ensure that you and your passengers experience a speedy recovery from your injuries.
Further Reading about 18 Wheeler Accidents
If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck, please contact the injury law firm of Timothy G. Anderson or call (813) 251-0072 for a consultation regarding any accident lawsuit you plan to file.
