Broken Truck Lights Top the List of Truck Inspection Violations

Florida truck accident lawyers explain how violations can lead to crashes

Broken headlights, tail lights, and other vehicle lights top the list of commercial truck inspection violations, according to recent statistics compiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

“Lamps such as brake lamps, headlamps, and turn signals prevent crashes, especially at night,” Lt. Bill Miller, public information officer with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, said in an interview with Transport Topics. “Lighting provides visibility and assists in signaling the vehicle movements or driver intentions.”

While lights might not seem like a big deal compared to malfunctioning brakes or worn-out truck tires, they are important. When tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles have inoperable vehicle lamps, truck accidents often occur, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.

“Some lights are critical, such as brake lights and tail lights,” said Kerri Wirachowsky, director of the Roadside Inspection Program at the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, in an interview with Transport Topics.

Commercial truck light violations

The most common commercial truck inspection violation last year was truck lights not working. The FMCSA cited truck drivers for a total of 347,783 violations involving an “Inoperable Required Lamp.” That’s 11.85 percent of all commercial truck inspection violations.

Such inspection violations involved domestic trucks as well as trucks from Canada and Mexico in the United States. Commercial trucks registered in the United States topped the list with 300,433 non-working truck light violations last year. They were followed by commercial trucks registered in Mexico (40,235 inspection violations) and those registered in Canada (3,269 inspection violations).

The problem was particularly bad in certain states as well. This includes Florida, where 17.7 percent of commercial truck inspection violations (22,697 total) involved non-working truck lights, including headlights and tail lights.

Other inspection violations

While non-working truck lights topped the list of truck inspection violations nationwide and in Florida, the FMCSA cited commercial trucks for many other violations last year. The other most common violations nationwide were:

• Operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) without proof of an inspection – 161,051 inspection violations (5.49 percent of all violations last year).
• Clamp or Roto type brake out-of-adjustment – 127,962 violations (4.36 percent of inspection violations).
• Unsecured fire extinguisher or fire extinguisher in truck already discharged  – 114,788 inspection violations (3.91 percent of violations).

As for Florida, many of the same commercial truck inspection violations topped the list of violations for last year as well. This includes:

• Operating a CMV without proof of an inspection – 8,971 violations (7 percent)
• Fire extinguisher in truck already discharged or unsecured fire extinguisher – 7,288 violations (5.64 percent)
• Non-working turn signal – 6,864 violations (5.35 percent)

Our attorneys know how to investigate truck accidents

Bypassing commercial truck safety inspections, not performing regular maintenance, and failing to make necessary repairs puts everyone on the road at risk of getting severely injured in a truck accident.

That's why there are federal and state truck lighting regulations that truckers, trucking companies, and truck manufacturers must follow. When these rules aren't followed and someone gets hurt in a truck crash as a result, those responsible need to be held accountable.

If you were severely injured or a loved one died in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. At Pajcic & Pajcic, our truck accident lawyers can listen to you, answer your questions, and give you a clear understanding of your legal rights and options.

We have extensive experience successfully handling complex legal cases in Florida and nationwide. In particular, our law firm secured a historic $1 billion fatal truck accident verdict for a Florida family.

Don’t underestimate the complexity or the seriousness of your potential legal case. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced truck accident attorneys, contact us today. We’re located in downtown Jacksonville and proudly serve clients nationwide.