Sadly, 18-wheeler truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the enormous size and weight of a large rig. To reduce the number of 18-wheeler accidents the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces trucking safety regulations through its Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) program. Truck drivers are required to comply with the CSA program’s safety regulations to prevent serious accidents and injuries. Unfortunately, sometimes truck drivers violate the CSA’s safety regulations which often results in devastating collisions. Keep reading to learn more about which safety regulations most commonly result in 18-wheeler accidents and how a determined Westchester County Truck Accident Lawyer can help you.
WHAT CSA VIOLATIONS MOST COMMONLY LEAD TO 18-WHEELER ACCIDENTS?
In the trucking industry, the FMCSA’s CSA program was implemented to reduce the number of 18-wheeler accidents as victims of these types of collisions rarely walk away unharmed. These safety regulations are enforced because large rigs such as 18-wheelers pose an imminent threat to the safety of those on the road. The following are some of the most common CSA violations that cause 18-wheeler accidents:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Improper lane changes
- Improper turns
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to obey a traffic control device
- Failing to secure or load cargo
- Railroad crossing violations
The above listed are some of the most common CSA violations that often result in tragic accidents and injuries. Ultimately, the leading cause of 18-wheeler truck accidents is negligence. Some of the most common violations overlap with New York’s traffic laws. When a truck driver commits a moving violation such as speeding they are negligent. Truck drivers must abide by the rules of the road.
WHY ARE TRUCK ACCIDENTS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS?
To operate an 18-wheeler, an individual must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). They require a specialized license because operating an 18-wheeler truck is quite different from operating a standard vehicle. Large rigs must be operated safely and properly on the roads to ensure everyone’s safety. Essentially, 18-wheeler accidents are particularly dangerous because of their enormous size and weight. In addition, truck drivers are the most susceptible to driver fatigue because they are required to drive for many consecutive hours without rest. Driver fatigue is extremely dangerous as it often leads to serious accidents as fatigue cognitively impairs individuals. Furthermore, large rigs also have several blind spots that make it difficult for truck drivers to identify vehicles around them which could cause them to collide with another vehicle. Ultimately, 18-wheeler truck accidents are extremely dangerous which is why the CSA enforces strict safety regulations.
In the unfortunate event that you have been injured in a truck accident as a result of negligence, please don’t hesitate to consult with one of our skilled and trusted lawyers. Sometimes it can be challenging to determine whether a CSA violation has caused an accident. It is imperative to get in touch with our team so we can help you investigate the circumstances of the accident. Allow our firm to represent your interests today!