Trucking Accident

• Nov 30, 2011

  U.S. DOT Ruling: No Handheld Cell Phones for Commercial Truck & Bus Drivers

  On November 23, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) secretary Ray LaHood announced their latest action; to prohibit interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand held cell phones while operating their vehicles.
  
  
  In making the announcement, LaHood stated “When drivers of large trucks, buses and hazardous materials take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, the outcome can be deadly. I hope that this rule will save lives by helping commercial drivers stay laser-focused on safety at all times while behind the wheel.”
  
  
  This final ruling prohibits commercial truck drivers from using hand-held mobile devices while operating a commercial truck or bus. Any driver who violates this restriction will face federal charges of up to $2,750 for each offense. Multiple offenses will result in a disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle.
  
  
  Additionally, states will now be suspending a driver’s commercial drive’s license after two or more serious traffic violations.  Furthermore, companies who allow their drivers to use hand-held phones while drives will face a maximum penalty of $11,000.
  
  
  In September of 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a ban on texting while operation a commercial truck or bus.
  
  
  This ruling marks a giant leap for safety on our interstates. Tabor Law understands the danger of distracted driving, and hopes this ruling makes our roads, and those all across America, a little bit safer.
  
  
  If you or someone you know has been injured in a trucking accident, call 317.236.9000 for a free consultation.

• Jul 12, 2011

  Drowsy Driving

  In a new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, statistics indicated that drowsy driving is a larger problem than previously estimated. Some of these statistics included:

  • - Drowsy driving is involved in about one in six deadly crashes
  • - One in eight crashes results in occupant hospitalization (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety) read more »
• Feb 23, 2011

  Truck Accident Dangers

  Trucking accidents are often the result of some type of negligence on the part of the trucking company, driver, or both. Data collected by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) reported the following National Crash Facts for 2009: read more »