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The trucking industry is the backbone of American business with nearly 11 million trucks traveling the U.S. roadways every year, according to the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Making up only 4.7 percent of all passenger vehicles, trucks are involved in 12.4 percent of all fatal crashes. This rate has begun to creep up (26 percent) after several years of decline since 2009. 

On March 21, 2018 a press release was issued on the DRIVE Safe Act. Representatives Duncan Hunter (R-California) and Trey Hollingsworth (R-Indiana), with the support from the Foodservice Distributors Association and the ATA, sponsored the legislation. 

According to the press release, “The DRIVE Safe Act will help train younger truck drivers far and above current standards. Under the legislation, once a driver has met the requirements to obtain a CDL, they may begin a two-step program of additional training which includes rigorous performance benchmarks that each candidate must achieve.  The program will require these drivers to complete at least 400 hours of on-duty time and 240 hours of driving time with an experienced driver in the cab with them.  All trucks used for training in the program must be equipped with safety technology including active braking collision mitigation systems, video event capture and a speed governor set at 65 miles per hour or below.” 

A Large Truck causation study, conducted by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, found that the top 10 causes of large truck accidents are: 

1. Distracted driving
2. Unsafe speed
3. Driver Fatigue
4. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
5. Following too closely
6. Unsafe turning
7. Unsafe passing
8. Driver Distraction
9. Driver inexperience with the road
10. Driver misjudged the flow of traffic 

According to data from the FMCSA, one out of five commercial vehicles (20 percent) are taken off the road each year because they were unsafe, posing a dangerous risk to an untold number of drivers and passengers. 

There are also a number of characteristics that are inherent in the trucking business which can contribute to an accident. The FMCSA says these include: 

• Inadequate training as to driving technique, safety concerns, and defensive driving.
• Systems of compensation that encourage faster vehicle speeds and more hours of consecutive vehicle operation than would normally be advisable.
• Unrealistic schedules and expectations of trucking companies that encourages drivers to hurry, despite safety risks involved. 

“If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash, contact the experienced attorneys at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights,” said Fort Myers Truck Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Truck Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.