Semi-trucks are so large that they intimidate many people on the road. They are also responsible for some of the most devastating collisions that occur. Semi-trucks may jackknife and block multiple lanes of traffic on a freeway. Drivers can merge into another lane of traffic, unaware of a vehicle in their blind spot.
Such collisions typically carry a much higher cost for the people in the passenger vehicle as opposed to the commercial driver operating the semi-truck. Semi-truck drivers are largely aware that their risk is lower in a collision, which might result in them making questionable choices in some circumstances.
Thankfully, federal traffic regulations help address that discrepancy between public safety needs and the risks of commercial traffic. There are unique statutes that only apply to commercial vehicles, including the three below, that can help reduce crash rates or support claims for compensation based on regulatory violations. What rules are different for commercial trucks?
1. Drive time limitations
Technically, there are no state or federal rules directly limiting how long people can drive passenger vehicles. There are clear rules in place for commercial vehicle operators. Hours of Service rules impose strict daily and weekly limits based on whether the vehicle in question helps transport humans or cargo. If drivers are on the road for too long, their violation of the rules could lead to collision liability.
2. Strict alcohol standards
Any motorist could face prosecution if they get behind the wheel while obviously drunk or if they fail a breath test. The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit that applies to most adult drivers is 0.08%. However, the limit is lower for those operating commercial vehicles. Semi-truck drivers are at risk of a drunk driving charge once their BAC reaches 0.04%.
3. Federal no-text rules
Regulations about texting while driving are typically state rules. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented a no-text rule for commercial drivers years ago. This rule helps prevent scenarios in which drivers claim ignorance of the law after crossing state lines or confusion about what technology use is permissible. Under federal regulations, semi-truck operators should not manually interact with any phone, tablet or similar device while actively driving.
In scenarios where people involved in commercial truck collisions can show that regulatory violations occurred, they may have grounds for insurance claims or even personal injury lawsuits. Holding a truck driver or transportation company accountable for a semi-truck crash can lead to both closure and financial compensation in many cases.