Will Proactive Steps Now Prevent Truck Accidents In The Future?

The impact of a truck accident goes beyond the actual collision that leads to injury and death. Victims are left with serious, life-changing injuries. Family members face an uncertain future following the death of a loved one.

New driver training standards hazmat and passenger endorsements by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) may prevent future crashes and make the roads a little safer.

Improved Training For Truck Drivers. Improved Safety For All.

Set to take effect on February 7, 2020, the new rules will establish requirements for all entry-level drivers seeking commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) starts with completion of core classroom curriculum. Subjects cover basic vehicle operations and maintenance, pre-and post-trip inspections, distracted driving, emergency situations and post-crash procedures.

The hands-on component of the coursework includes behind the wheel and public road training conducted by trainers from an FMCSA-approved Training Provider Registry.

While no mandates exist for the minimum number of hours, trainees successfully complete their training when “all elements of the curricula [are] proficiently demonstrated while the driver-trainee has actual control of the power unit during a driving lesson.”

Benefits Outweighing The Costs

Estimated costs to the trucking industry may total $3.67 billion by 2029. However, many believe that the benefits of the new requirements will offset those costs by $2.4 billion. Savings could take the form of increased truck operation efficiency, reduced number of collisions, and lower maintenance and repair expenses.

Regardless of industry-wide safety improvements, an inattentive or impaired driver behind eighteen-wheeler still presents deadly dangers. If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident, you need legal representation to hold negligent parties accountable.

Source: Overdrive, FMCSA establishes training standards, curriculum for new truck operators, James Jaillet, December 07, 2016