In California, there are safety regulations that semi-truck drivers must follow. These guidelines can help avoid accidents on congested roads.
Driver fatigue
Semi-truck drivers may travel long hours from one location to another to deliver the goods they are carrying. However, driver fatigue can be a hazard to other drivers on the road.
Semi-truck drivers can operate a truck for no more than 12 hours at a time and if they transport flammable liquids, they cannot operate the truck for more than 10 hours at a time. Also, they cannot drive after being on duty for 80 hours in any consecutive 8 days.
This safety rule is intended to help limit driver fatigue from many hours behind the wheel and prevent accidents.
Cargo and weight
Cargo must be properly balanced and secured and semi-trucks are subject to weight restrictions. Semi-truck drivers are required to stop for inspections of the truck’s size and weight at weigh stations.
Cargo that is not properly balanced can make the truck difficult to control and lead to accidents with other drivers.
Commercial vehicles in California are also required to carry a fire extinguisher and emergency vehicle equipment such as red reflectors to make them visible to other drivers.
If a person is injured in an accident with a semi-truck, they must demonstrate three elements to pursue compensation. The driver must prove that the semi-truck driver was negligent, the accident was caused by the semi-truck driver’s negligence and must demonstrate that he or she suffered injuries and damages.
An experienced attorney can evaluate the circumstances of the accident and provide advice about how to pursue a claim.