When it comes to transporting goods over long distances, we rely on truck drivers to make safe and timely deliveries. However, driving for extended periods on the open road can be challenging, and drivers need to keep distractions to a minimum. Otherwise, there could be an accident on the road. At Trucking Injury Law Group, we know distracted driving is dangerous, leading to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Let's look at the most common distractions for truck drivers and the risk of those behaviors on the road. What Is [...]
For workers on an hourly salary, you can’t get paid unless the boss knows how many hours you’ve put in on the job. The vast majority of hourly workers “punch” a time clock at the start and end of their workday. However, the 3.5 million truck drivers (according to the U.S. Census Bureau) have two options for clocking their hours. They can use electronic logging devices (ELDs) or paper logs. With the ease of ELDs, do truck drivers still use paper logs? Logging Mandates The first hours of [...]
When you become a commercial truck driver, you are taking all the skills you learned for your fundamental driver’s license and enhancing them to follow the standards of a commercial driver’s license (CDL). A commercial driver’s license is available in three class levels, with each level being a different size and type of vehicle. Before you apply for a CDL in Washington, you must go through 80 to 160 hours of training (depending on which class of license you’re applying for). Once you get a CDL, do truck [...]
In the trucking world, drivers and trucking companies must abide by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's regulations. One of the most important of these rules is the hours of service (HOS). These regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue and reduce accidents due to overworked and exhausted drivers. However, not all drivers are covered under these regulations. For short-haul drivers, they have a short-haul exception that gives them more flexibility with these hours. So, what are short-haul exceptions? In this article, let's look at the basics of [...]
Over 3 million trucks are on the road 24/7, making pick-ups and deliveries. Those trucks are operated by the 3.5 million drivers who carry a commercial driver's license (CDL), according to information from the Federal Mother Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Census Bureau, respectively. However, there are different types of trucks. Your Amazon delivery person drives a different type of truck than the long-haul trucker who brought those goods to the Amazon warehouse. Do delivery drivers need a CDL? It depends on how big their delivery [...]
The trucking industry is a 24-hour operation. At any given time of the day or night, trucks are being loaded, unloaded, and crisscrossing the country. It is how we get everything we buy in a store or order online. All of that trucking traffic requires regulation to ensure that commercial vehicles follow the correct driving practices to keep everyone on the road safe. One way to maintain trucking traffic is with truck weigh stations. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), 608 weight stations are in operation across [...]
Trucking keeps the economy running by transporting goods across long distances. However, many truckers choose to drive their vehicles during certain times to avoid traffic and other issues. So, what is the peak time of day for truckers to be on the road? Traffic patterns, delivery schedules, rest breaks, and legal driving limits all influence when truckers are most active. At the Trucking Injury Law Group, we always make sure everyone stays safe on the road. We will explore the peak times for truckers, the factors that contribute [...]
Do you ever tense up when you have to change lanes in front of a semi-truck? Do you feel anxious when they approach at fast speeds in your rearview mirror? You’re right to feel apprehensive and be on extra alert. A minor “tap” from an 80,000-pound fully loaded 18-wheeler will cause the average car to spin out and end up in a severe wreck. If you find yourself in this scenario, you need to speak with a skilled attorney to determine how to maximize your compensation for a [...]
While truckers are on the road, they need to make sure that the cargo is secured. Improperly loaded or shifted cargo can lead to serious consequences for everyone. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) does have strict rules about how truckers should secure cargo, and the responsibility of load checks falls on the drivers. Truckers must perform regular inspections and make sure that their cargo remains secure throughout the trip. When the driver fails to uphold their responsibilities, it can lead to accidents. At the Trucking Injury [...]
If you’ve ever been in traffic near a tractor-trailer, as most of us have, you’ve probably seen trucks bearing sharp, pointed spikes sticking out of the truck’s wheel hubs. These may be made of metal or sometimes plastic attachments, and can often seem intimidating. They’ve also stirred up quite a lot of curiosity and concern among other drivers. But appearances can be deceiving which leaves many to wonder: Are truck spikes actually dangerous, or are they simply a flashy accessory? To answer that question, let’s dive into the [...]
