Federal Grants Boost Safety Initiatives for Large Vehicles

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has allocated nearly $480 million in grants to enhance safety initiatives for large trucks and buses. These funds were provided under the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program and supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. They will be used across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. One key aspect of this grant is increasing inspections of large commercial vehicles.

Safety inspections for large commercial trucks are necessary because of the risks these vehicles pose on the road. Unlike smaller passenger cars, commercial trucks are massive and often weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. This size and weight disparity means that in the event of a truck accident, the potential for widespread destruction, injuries, and deaths is much greater.

Why are brake safety initiatives important for preventing truck accidents?

Brake safety is critical for preventing truck accidents. The most successful initiative is Brake Safety Day, an annual event organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. This focuses on the inspection of commercial motor vehicles across North America. This year, inspectors conducted nearly 5,000 unannounced brake inspections in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This led to the immediate removal of 570 vehicles from the road due to significant safety violations, with 88% passing without any violations.

The top violation found during the inspections involved 20% of a vehicle's service brakes being out of service. Inspectors discovered this issue in 330 vehicles, making up nearly 58% of all brake-related out-of-service violations. Other common issues included worn brake lines and hoses, broken brake drums, and inoperative systems crucial to the safe operation of the vehicle. The inspection data also revealed that 73 vehicles had steering-related brake violations, which accounted for 12.8% of the total brake-related out-of-service violations.

The most common risks associated with truck brake failure include:

• Increased stopping distance: When brakes fail or are not functioning properly, a truck can't stop as quickly as it should. This can lead to rear-end collisions, especially in heavy traffic or during sudden stops.
• Jackknifing: If the brakes on a truck's trailer fail while the tractor's brakes are still working, the trailer can swing out to the side and form an angle with the cab. This situation can block multiple lanes and cause collisions with multiple vehicles.
• Runaway trucks: On steep declines, brake failure can lead to a truck gaining uncontrollable speed. Without proper braking power, a truck may plow through intersections, curves, or traffic.
• Rollovers: Brake failure can cause a tractor-trailer to lose stability, especially when taking a curve or turning at high speed. This can result in the truck tipping over, leading to catastrophic accidents involving multiple vehicles.
• Tire blowouts: Overuse of brakes, especially when they are not functioning properly, can cause tires to overheat and blow out, increasing the risk of losing control of the vehicle.

What are the safety responsibilities of trucking companies?

Trucking companies must adhere to federal regulations to ensure safety. For example, they must conduct regular maintenance and repairs of vehicles, such as systematic inspections of brakes, tires, and lights, as required under 49 CFR § 396.3. Trucking companies must also keep detailed records of all inspections and repairs for at least a year while the vehicle is in service.

Hiring practices are also important. Trucking companies must ensure drivers have valid Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) and meet physical and experience qualifications, as outlined in 49 CFR § 391.11.

Additionally, trucking companies must conduct regular drug and alcohol screenings, including pre-employment and random testing, to prevent impaired driving. These requirements are detailed in 49 CFR § 382.301.

Our North Florida law firm fights to hold negligent trucking companies accountable

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, you need an experienced attorney who can deal with the trucking companies and their insurers on your behalf.

Pajcic & Pajcic has been fighting for crash victims in Jacksonville and throughout North Florida for over 50 years. We know how to win tough cases, and our track record of success proves this. Some of our notable case results include:

• A $26 million settlement for a fatal rear-end truck accident
• An 8-figure settlement for a client left quadriplegic after a crash
• A $9.65 million recovery for a family who lost a loved one

Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, aggressive insurance companies, and serious injuries. Our attorneys will dig deep to uncover the truth, scrutinize trucking company records, and pursue every possible lead to build a strong case for you. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no money upfront for our services. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you seek justice and accountability.