Truck accidents are often fatal, and truckers must adhere to strict standards, including the hours of service regulations. Truck drivers are professional drivers who must comply with both state and federal legal requirements.
If a trucker who failed to follow federal trucking laws in Albuquerque injured you, speak with an experienced accident attorney at NMAF for advice.
There are strict federal trucking laws in place to help keep our roadways safer for everyone. You are far more likely to be seriously injured in a trucking accident than the truck driver. Federal trucking regulations help minimize the risk posed by commercial vehicles in Albuquerque. These laws encompass numerous crucial aspects of the trucking industry and truck driving.
The trucking industry is a direct reflection of our economy, and it is a high-paced industry. Some trucking companies and truck drivers cut safety corners in response to tight deadlines.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implements regulations designed to mitigate this danger, with the hours of service rules serving as a prime example. Truck drivers spend many hours behind the wheel, which increases the risk of drowsy driving. As a result, FMCSA implements the following hours of service regulations for all commercial truckers in Albuquerque who haul cargo:
There are some exceptions for short-haul drivers and adverse driving conditions.
Drivers who carry a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are subject to careful testing for impairment. The federal government and the state have zero tolerance for impaired truckers in Albuquerque, which means they are subject to heightened penalties.
Truck drivers who cross state lines must be at least 21 years old, carry a CDL, and meet all physical and mental fitness requirements. Additionally, new drivers must receive specific training that covers the following:
The federal requirements also relate to health conditions. They ensure that commercial truckers who operate their rigs across state lines are healthy enough to do so safely. Health conditions considered include vision, hearing, respiratory (e.g., sleep apnea), cardiovascular (e.g., blood pressure and heart conditions), neurological and mental health (e.g., epilepsy, seizures, and psychiatric disorders), as well as substance abuse.
Truck drivers who fail to obey federal trucking laws in Albuquerque are more likely to cause life-threatening accidents. If you received an injury due to a truck driver or a trucking company’s negligence, contact our knowledgeable vehicle accident attorneys at NMAF. We have extensive experience successfully guiding complex claims toward favorable resolutions, and we are here to support you.
Learn more by contacting us online or by calling us today.
