3 Safety Regulations That Indiana Truck Companies And Drivers Must Follow

Published on: 25 July 2022 Last Updated on: 30 October 2024

Large trucks can be extremely dangerous on the road. Therefore, truck drivers and trucking companies must follow certain rules to protect themselves and others.

The safety regulations are usually determined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA); however, local and state agencies may have additional rules.

If you’re a trucker or you’ve been in an accident with a truck driver, it’s important to know which safety rules trucking companies have to follow in case you need to take your accident case to court.

Getting into an accident is stressful, and having to contend with trucking companies can worsen the situation. So you can avoid this type of situation by simply applying the safety regulations.

Let’s have a look ‘what is federal motor carrier safety regulations.’

What Are The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations?

If you’ve been injured in a wreck involving a large truck in the South Bend area in Indiana, you need a truck accident lawyer in South Bend to help you build a personal injury case.

You’ll need to submit all forms of evidence to your lawyer, including medical records and bills, proof of lost wages, costs associated with the accident’s aftermath, pictures, and written witness statements that will provide more insight into who was at fault for the accident.

Having a lawyer representing you is essential when you’re going up against a trucking company. The trucking company’s insurer will try to give you the lowest settlement possible, and an experienced attorney can help you receive a fair settlement.

But before you go against a truck driver or their company for causing the accident, you need to know what rules they should have followed to prove that they didn’t.

Here Are Three Main Regulations You Should Be Aware Of What Are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

Overview:

Hours Of Service Rules
Regulations For Cargo And Weight
Regulations Pertaining To Vehicle Maintenance

1. Hours Of Service Rules

Safety regulations on hours of service restrict the number of hours truckers can spend actively driving. When driving hours are limited, this lessens the chances that drivers will be drowsy and lose control of their vehicles.

Studies have shown that drowsy driving affects the body and motor system like drunk or intoxicated driving.

According to the Department of Transport’s regulations, truckers are only allowed to drive for 11 hours at a time. This limit is in effect only if the trucker has been off duty for at least 10 hours before driving. After a trucker has been driving for up to 14 hours, they must take a break.

Truck drivers have to take short breaks in between drives as well. Drivers who don’t follow these rules are more likely to drive drowsy, which increases the chances of truck accidents.

Indiana truckers must also follow all federal laws regarding HoS and state laws. For instance, truck drivers are not allowed to work over seventy hours without taking a break of 34 hours.

Moreover, if your attorney’s investigation shows that the truck company asked or pushed a driver into exceeding HoS limits, you can also file a claim against it.

2. Regulations For Cargo And Weight

The freight on the trucks must be under a certain weight to keep the vehicle from tipping over. The truck’s weight limits depend on the truck type, cargo type, and how far the truck has to travel.

For instance, with a couple of exemptions, the state of Indiana allows vehicles to operate up to 22,400 lbs. on a single axle and 36,000 lbs. on a tandem axle. Moreover, a few state law provisions and safety regulations are allowing the trucks to exceed some federal limits.

Truckers are also limited regarding the type of cargo they are permitted to transport. For instance, flammable items and chemicals are not transported by truck. However, trucking companies can sometimes obtain a permit to transport some hazardous materials.

Truckers must take the safest and most efficient route to ensure the materials are delivered safely and promptly. Truckers who don’t attend to these regulations could face serious penalties.

3. Regulations Pertaining To Vehicle Maintenance

Trucking companies have to ensure that all of their trucks are maintained. This means that the trucks must undergo regular inspections. If any repairs are necessary, the trucking company must make the repairs as soon as possible.

Once it is determined that a truck needs any maintenance time, it is unsafe for the vehicle to be on the road. In addition, trucking companies could be liable if they continue to allow truckers to drive malfunctioning vehicles.

In addition to trucking companies having to stick to safety regulations, truckers must also monitor the function of their trucks and notify their companies if any safety issues arise.

Drivers must also know how to make minor truck repairs, such as changing a headlight or replacing a flat tire. Knowing how to handle these smaller repair tasks will increase the chances that truckers are safe on the road and can avoid accidents.

Bottom Line

All Indiana truckers must follow state and federal safety regulations regarding driving, safety, and avoiding accidents.

But, of course, Commercial Driver’s License violations or hiring and training violations render a trucking company liable in truck accident cases.

For this reason, if you are the plaintiff in a truck accident claim against a driver or/and their company, you should get a specialized Indiana attorney to fight for your rights and the maximum compensation possible.

Additionals:

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Will Self-Driving Cars Replace Human Error?

The public is understandably skeptical when it comes to the introduction of new technologies. This has been a constant in virtually every innovation since the dawn of civilization. People were skeptical about the railroads when they first became a staple of American life in the 1830s. People were skeptical about aviation when it became a major part of travel in the early part of the 20th century. The automobile itself was viewed with a healthy dose of scorn and hesitation when it first drove onto the scene. Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation with regard to the emergence of self-driving vehicles. Just like with these other technologies, some of our skepticism is caused by the novelty of the technology and our unfamiliarity with it. However, just as it was with the transportation modes listed above, many of our reservations are well-founded and stem from shortcomings that the technology has yet to overcome. Still, the bigger question that we find ourselves asking is: Will we be safer in self-driving vehicles than we would be in vehicles that have a human driver? Human Error Causes Vehicle Crashes The vast majority of crashes on our roads are caused by human error. Some estimates put this figure at around 90 percent. We experience this firsthand every single day on our roads. Consider how many crashes are caused by reckless driving, distraction, fatigue, and intoxication. In each of these cases, it is a person’s mistake that leads to a vehicle crash. People are far from perfect, and we make mistakes regularly. When these mistakes occur on our roads, the consequences can be devastating. One mistake made at 55 miles per hour can cause fatalities, serious injuries and incredible amounts of property damage. In that sense, the less we can be subject to lapses in judgment or negligent driving, the safer we will be. How Do Self-Driving Cars Stack Up Against People? Thus far, there is not enough information available to make a completely accurate comparison of automated vehicles and human drivers. Think about how many miles people have driven since the launch of the automobile and how many miles have been traveled by self-driving vehicles. This disparity leaves us with an incomplete picture. However, self-driving automobiles have been around long enough for us to get a clearer idea of how safe these vehicles could be and what dangers they could present if manufacturers don’t do their due diligence. Last year, Google touted the fact that its self-driving vehicles had traveled well over a million miles and been involved in only 17 crashes, all but one of which were found to be caused by another driver’s error. Meanwhile, Tesla, another company that has a big stake in the self-driving automobile industry, has come under fire from critics about its aggressive implementation of automated technology after the death of a driver in Florida in May of 2016. In September, the New York Times reported a similar incident involving a Tesla automobile that occurred in China earlier this year. The criticism from safety advocates is largely over the company’s willingness to make available technology that has not been thoroughly tested. While these were reportedly the first driver deaths in over 130 million miles of travel, it still raises a debate about the degree to which automation will be deemed safe for drivers. Concerns About Semi-Autonomous Vehicles Part of the skepticism about automated technology stems from automobiles that will be only partially operated by a vehicle and handed over to a human driver in case of emergency. In certain types of automated vehicles, such as vehicles equipped with Tesla’s Autopilot function, drivers must still be aware enough to take over driving duties in certain situations. This might prove to be a difficult task for drivers, and it could even require a certain level of proficiency or training on the part of a vehicle's operator. It should also be noted that we already have some forms of automation in many of our vehicles. Automated braking has been used in vehicles for several years and has likely helped reduce the occurrence of many crashes. There is great promise for more automation, but there are still many unanswered questions. Accountability Will Always Be a Central Issue Just as it is in today’s human-operated vehicles, crashes in tomorrow’s self-driving cars will stem from some sort of error. Today, it is usually the drivers who are held accountable for their mistakes, but as self-driving automobiles become a bigger presence on our roads, that accountability will be shifted to other entities. Rather than human error is to blame, it might be the case that a particular crash will be deemed to be the fault of a vehicle manufacturer, or a software manufacturer. For the safety of all drivers, accountability will be a very important issue, one that will need to be fought for and pursued by the institutions providing oversight and regulation, and by drivers and citizens themselves. The Self-Driving Revolution is Beginning People might be reluctant to embrace self-driving technology, but it will be thrust upon them whether they are ready for it or not. In Pittsburgh, for example, Uber has launched self-driving vehicles in a pilot program. Uber’s chief rival in the ridesharing world, Lyft, has said that our roads will be filled with automated vehicles in five years, and the company is taking its own steps toward releasing self-driving cars. Read also: How To Shop For A Car With Your Teen Driver? Several companies are locked in a fight to be first when it comes to self-driving vehicles. This competition will no doubt lead to the rapid advancement of the technology. As consumers, we have to hope that the release of the technology is not hasty and that road safety is the top priority. The Future of Our Roads People are debating when, and not if, self-driving vehicles will become the norm. It’s only a matter of time before more vehicles will be completely or at least mostly operated by automated systems. We know from the history of transportation technology that we can expect certain things. We can expect resistance, adoption, innovation, and missteps in the implementation of the technology. We can also expect that one day soon we will be riding in, or sharing our roads with, self-driving cars. The Law Offices of James C. DeZao is a personal injury law firm in New Jersey. Contact them by visiting their website or calling them at (973) 808-8900. Read More: 5 Ways To Avoid The Rip Off While Buying A Used Car Invest In A New Car, Without A Financial Liabilit Turn The Tables For Helpless Children With Car Donation In New Jersey Fred Loya Insurance Company

Top tips for inspecting and maintaining garage

A large percentage of homeowners stroll in and out of their garage and don’t give a second thought about it. But it is extremely important that you don’t neglect your garage and keep it in the best condition possible. For maintaining garage you have to understand the facts that can help you to achieve your goals. After all, it protects one, if not a couple of the biggest investments you and your partner have ever made (your cars), along with whatever else you have in there. Think of it this way, the odd maintenance job could save you and your family from losing out on thousands. If you’re looking for a brand-new concrete garage to protect you, your family and your belongings from the dangers of the outdoors, look no further than Dencroft Garages. Their friendly, experienced staff are always at hand to help out, give them a call now. Different Ways You Can Apply For Maintaining Garage Keep the door running smoothly A lot of new garage doors these days are self-lubricated, but if they aren’t, it is recommended that you apply oil to the rollers, hinges, and tracks every couple of months. Another important note to take is this – occasionally be checking the rubber seal at the bottom of your garage door as it can tear and wear, and allow the elements to creep under (replacing this seal can cost £100). Also, regularly check that the sensors on either side of your garage door still work by closing when something crosses its path. Clean the floor To prevent hazards, slips, and from occurring, clear your garage floor and hose it down. If there is a serious trip hazard due to a bit of concrete which has crumbled or separated, you can try to patch it back up yourself or call a contact a concrete contractor. If you’re looking for further tips and instructions to clean the floor in your concrete garage, this article has five fantastic tips to make sure your garage floor is looking the best it can be.For maintaining garage Monitor the walls You should check your walls at least twice a year to see if there any cracks or moisture. If you see any discolor or mold on the walls, then moisture is seeping from the roof or the walls and needs to be seen to straight away – call a building or roofing contractor for the further inspection. For maintaining garage you have to monitor walls. Clean interior doors Your interior door plays a huge part in the safety and insulation of your home, so once a year you should clean it and make sure that all the weather-stripping is still intact. If not, then replace the weather-stripping – this stops all the elements from entering your home. Watch for pest invasions Insects such as termites and carpenter ants can seriously damage the quality of your garage walls, so to prevent them from invading your garage, inspect dark, cool and moist spots – particularly where the walls meet. If you see chewed wood you will most likely have termites, or if there are trails of sawdust, it’s carpenter ants – this is when you should call in pest control experts. Read Also: 5 Factors To Consider When Buying A New Garage Door 5 Other Uses For Your Garage

Effect of Australia’s New Inland Rail on the Trucking Industry

Spanning 18,000 Km from the east coast to the west coast, Australia is the fifth largest country in the world. Incidentally, the bulk of the population is settled in major cities along the coastline. The vast distances between major cities in Australia led to the development of the country’s robust inland freight networks. Australia plays a key role in the global economy and is the 20th largest exporter in the world. In 2017, the country made a positive trade balance of $44 B after exporting $243 B and importing $199 B worth of products. The country relies on its road and rail networks to mobilize all these products across the country efficiently. Significance of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail In a bold inland rail project to link Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia has invested about $10 Billion. The project will cover 1,700 kilometers to connect more than 20 major towns across three states, namely Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. The inland rail will streamline several bottlenecks and time constraints that have hampered freight transport between Melbourne and Brisbane. The project is also expected to create more than 10,000 jobs and boost Australia’s GDP by more than $16 Billion in 50 years. Australia’s Road Vs Rail Debate The development of the inland rail has fuelled the road vs rail debate in the freight industry. The debate questions on the efficiency and costs of using trains over trucks. Additionally, there is a concern on whether the new inland rail will put the heavy-duty truckers out of business. However, there is a lot of room in the country for both systems to coexist. With a few relevant adjustments, the road and rail systems can be integrated and complement each other. In effect, the new rail system in effect may enhance the trucking industry rather than retard it. Advantages of Rail and Road Freight Systems Both road and rail freight systems have niches where they can outdo each other. The following list highlights a few areas where it is advantageous to use road over rail transport and vice versa. Advantages of Road Transport 1. Efficient over short distances: Road transport offers several flexibility advantages that trains cannot match. Trains operate on a fixed rail line that cannot handle door to door deliveries. 2. Fast Scheduled Delivery: Trucks can deliver goods according to your schedule. This can save you from unnecessary storage costs. With rail transport, you have to adjust your programs to fit the train’s schedule. Advantages of Rail Transport 1. Cost-effective over long distances Using trains beats trucks over long distances. Trains carry more cargo and are up to 4 times more fuel-efficient than trucks. Also, the wear on your aftermarket parts for European trucks can be expensive over long distances. 2. Eco-Friendly: Trains are more environmentally friendly than trucks as they emit up to 75% fewer greenhouse gases. Also, trucks consume close to 9 times more energy per tonne-kilometer than trains. There are several ways in which the trucking industry can adapt to benefit from the development of Australia’s new inland rail system. For example, there will be immense opportunities to move cargo from to and from the train stations. Truck operators can extend the life of their vehicles and duration between services by plying shorter routes. Read Also: Freight Factoring Is Solving Common Trucking Challenges What To Consider When Buying Heavy Duty Truck Alignment Equipment Why Times Are Tough For Truckers And Why It Concerns You

3 Safety Regulations That Indiana Truck Companies And Drivers Must Follow

What Are The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations?

Here Are Three Main Regulations You Should Be Aware Of What Are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

1. Hours Of Service Rules

2. Regulations For Cargo And Weight

3. Regulations Pertaining To Vehicle Maintenance

Bottom Line

A Set Of The Best Exercises For Truck Drivers

5 Ways To Improve The Fuel Efficiency Of Your Truck

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Related

Will Self-Driving Cars Replace Human Error?

Top tips for inspecting and maintaining garage

Effect of Australia’s New Inland Rail on the Trucking Industry

3 Safety Regulations That Indiana Truck Companies And Drivers Must Follow

What Are The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations?

Here Are Three Main Regulations You Should Be Aware Of What Are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

1. Hours Of Service Rules

2. Regulations For Cargo And Weight

3. Regulations Pertaining To Vehicle Maintenance

Bottom Line

Share this Article

A Set Of The Best Exercises For Truck Drivers

5 Ways To Improve The Fuel Efficiency Of Your Truck

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related