How Agencies Can Stop Wisconsin Truck Crashes
The federal government has rules in place that govern the safety and maintenance of semi trucks. When trucking agencies, companies, and drivers follow these safety rules and traffic laws, risk of accidents are significantly reduced. These laws cover truck part maintenance, regulation of driving hours, and responsible operation of the vehicle. Fatigued driving, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and failing truck parts are all factors that put other responsible and innocent drivers at risk.
Here’s how agencies can stop Wisconsin truck crashes from happening as well as truck accidents throughout the entire nation:
Proper Truck Maintenance Saves Lives
Trucking companies are required to properly maintain all of the equipment on the truck and trailer. Lights, signals, brakes, engine, and tires are all parts of the truck that companies are required to maintain. Bald tires and worn brakes can make a truck more difficult to stop and difficult to control in bad weather and poor road conditions. Burnt out lights and failing signals prevent surrounding passenger vehicles from being warned as semi trucks make turns and switch lanes. This can leave a passenger vehicle unable to get out of the way in time and can lead to a dangerous and potential fatal collision.
Trucking Companies Must Enforce Responsible Driving Behavior
Drivers of semi trucks are required to rest a for 30 minutes for every 4 hours of driving on the road and are not allowed to drive more than 70 hours per week. Most trucks are now equipped with electronic data recorders similar to the black box on an airplane. This device monitors driving hours, how a truck has been driven, and vehicle operations. Requiring and enforcing more rest and shorter work days can prevent driver complacency and fatigue and reduce the risk of causing accidents.
Driver Training Plays a Major Role
Operating the controls of a semi truck is completely different from that of a passenger vehicle or pickup truck. Drivers who are adequately trained are more likely to operate the truck properly and safely. Training teaches drivers how to avoid accidents and how to drive cautiously in all weather conditions. Paying attention to blind spots and abiding by all established traffic laws makes driving a semi truck much safer. Use of new collision-avoidance technology can also help keep drivers safe and reduce the number of dangerous rear-end collisions.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a semi truck accident in Wisconsin that could have been prevented by proper trucking protocol or driver action, one of the skilled Milwaukee, WI truck accident lawyers from Urban & Taylor, S.C., can help. Our experienced team knows how to handle cases where trucking companies have not acted responsibly and can help victims receive the financial compensation they deserve. Contact our Milwaukee office today for a free, zero-obligation consultation of your case.
