How Trucking Companies Put You in Danger

How Trucking Companies Put You in Danger

When people get hurt or lose a loved one in a truck accident they tend to blame the truck driver. Most people don’t realize that truck drivers are some of the most knowledgeable, experienced drivers on the road, and they have a very big stake in avoiding accidents. Accidents can cause a trucker to lose his commercial driver’s license (CDL) and his livelihood, not to mention getting hurt or killed. Trucking companies, on the other hand, think of the bottom line. They are willing to sacrifice the lives of their own drivers and anyone else on the road to make a profit.

Unrealistic schedules

Trucking companies are notorious for requiring their drivers to meet unrealistic schedules and delivery deadlines. Ultimately, truck drivers and the general public pay the price. Unrealistic schedules put everyone on the road at risk of an accident, and they put truck drivers at risk of losing their CDLs and their jobs. They can even wind up in jail.

Trucking companies profit from unrealistic schedules because fast delivery times are always in demand. A trucking company that cannot compete on delivery time will lose business. Think about it. When you order something, you want it yesterday. When you take your car in for a repair, and the repair shop has to order the part are you willing to wait an extra week, or do you take it to someone else that can have it ready for you tomorrow?

Unfortunately, trucking companies pass this burden along to their drivers who, in turn, have to compete with other drivers. Some drivers have the option of turning down a load, and turning down a paycheck at the same time. Those who are willing to accept the trucking company’s unrealistic schedules are the ones who get to keep their jobs. All of this translates to a number of dangerous situations on the road including:

Driver fatigue – the most common cause of truck accidents Excessive speeds Stimulant abuse Reckless driving in dangerous weather conditions Improperly loaded trucks

Hours of service regulations do not protect you

Hours of service (HOS) regulations are laws which very strictly limit how much time a truck driver can spend on the road each day and each week and how much time a driver must take off each day and each week. The regulations and the manner in which they are applied are full of holes and flaws, and are ineffective in preventing fatigue and the unrealistic schedules which contribute to fatigue and other dangerous driving conditions.

Poorly maintained trucks

Trucking companies have a duty to keep their trucking in good working condition. Defective parts, such as faulty brakes or worn tires, will cause an accident no matter how experienced or careful the driver may be. Unfortunately, many trucking companies do not live up to their duty to maintain their trucks. In order to save money they will put off repairs for as long as possible, sometimes until it is too late and the truck fails causing a fatal accident.