Common Violations of California Trucking Regulations That Lead to Accidents
| July 21st, 2023
With hundreds of trucks passing through its highways daily, California is a major transportation center. Despite efforts to prevent them, truck accidents continue to happen, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. Sacramento, which is California’s capital city, is an inclusion in this pattern. The state has developed trucking regulations as part of an effort to ensure the safety of truck drivers and other road users.
Acquiring the services of an experienced Sacramento truck accident attorney means you will not be left to deal with the aftermath of this potentially devastating life event on your own. You have a right to restitution, justice, and safety from possibly fatal effects, regardless of what caused your injury.
Overview of Common Violations
Truck accidents are a significant cause for concern because they frequently result in fatalities or catastrophic injuries.
California has enacted severe restrictions on the trucking industry in an effort to safeguard public safety on the road. Let’s explore the most common causes of truck accidents, and the steps truck accident lawyers take to resolve them.
Overloading
State and federal rules impose weight restrictions on trucks. These rules differ based on the kind of cargo, truck size, and the number of axles on the vehicle. A serious overloading violation will push a truck beyond its weight limit, causing accidents.
An overloaded truck requires a longer stopping distance, provides less stability, and causes poorer vehicle handling. Overloaded trucks are more likely to experience brake failure, tire blowouts, and other technical issues. These trucks can also put too much strain on the road itself, which raises the danger of accidents for other drivers. Overloading violations result from truck drivers’ poor training or a desire to increase profits.
Distracted Driving
In trucking, distracted driving is a big problem that results in dangerous car accidents. Distracted driving is any activity that causes a driver to temporarily or permanently divert their attention from the road.
Because of how much time truck drivers spend on the road, distracted driving is a serious risk. Drivers can get tired or bored, causing them to act in a distracting manner.
Common distractions on the road include:
- Driving while texting or using a mobile device.
- Operating a GPS or other technological device while operating a vehicle.
- Drinking or eating while driving.
- Operating radios and other entertainment systems.
With the assistance of a reputable truck accident attorney, Sacramento residents can regain a sense of security and comfort and find a path toward obtaining the compensation they deserve.
Hours-of-Service Violations
Federal restrictions termed hours-of-service (HOS) regulations limit how long truck drivers are allowed to operate commercial vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Agency (FMCSA) developed these regulations to prevent driver weariness, which is a major factor in truck accidents.
HOS standards specify a maximum number of driving hours, as well as required rest times. Fatigued motorists have slower reaction times, poorer judgment, and greater difficulty in making sound decisions. All of these conditions will increase the risk of mistakes and mishaps. Drivers who violate HOS standards put both themselves and others at a greater risk of collision.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Road safety is mainly dependent on truck maintenance. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) enforces strict vehicle maintenance guidelines. According to California law, commercial vehicles must undergo an inspection at least once a year and every 90 days for those operating under hazmat permits. During these inspections, tires, brakes, lighting, and other car parts are checked to see if they are in excellent operating order.
Accidents involving trucks are often caused by poor vehicle maintenance. Tire blowouts, braking failures, and other mechanical issues can occur when routine maintenance is neglected.
Driving Under the Influence
Another significant problem in the transportation sector is driving while intoxicated. A driver’s ability to properly operate a commercial vehicle can be impaired by even a tiny amount of alcohol or drugs, putting themselves and other drivers in danger.
All drivers, including those operating commercial trucks, are subject to California’s stringent DUI laws. Drivers in California are considered to be intoxicated while operating a vehicle if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 percent or greater, conferring to state rules and regulations. The BAC limit for commercial truck drivers should be 0.04%.
Given the legal statutes governing commercial vehicle operation, it is prohibited for truck drivers to operate such vehicles while under the influence of any substance. This includes not only marijuana and prescription drugs but any other intoxicating agent.
Driving while intoxicated is particularly risky in trucking since huge trucks need more space and time to stop than cars. A truck driver’s reaction time and judgment will be distorted by consumption of alcohol or other drugs, leading to catastrophic accidents.
When a California trucking regulation violation has lead to an injury, a truck accident attorney in Sacramento will provide the necessary legal advice and advocacy, fighting tirelessly to get justice and compensation for victims.
Seek legal assistance immediately if you or someone you love has been in a truck accident. Take action to get the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact a Sacramento truck accident attorney at Berg Injury Lawyers to discuss your options and protect your rights. Our experienced attorneys will work hard to ensure fair compensation for your injuries.
