Who, What, and How We Represent Matters.
Values-driven personal injury lawyers in Austin, Texas here to listen, educate, and help in any way we can.
Contact Us
int hero 360 austin

How Can Commercial Trucking Companies Prevent 18-wheeler Accidents?

While every driver on the road is responsible for making safe choices, commercial trucking companies share the responsibility to prevent accidents. Company policies can incentivize employees to drive either cautiously or carelessly — which means that trucking companies have a lot of power to make the roads safer for everyone. 

Some companies take this responsibility seriously. Others go to great lengths to avoid allocating the money and resources necessary to implement safety training programs and new technology. They will also do their best to deny any liability for roadway collisions involving their drivers and equipment. 

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 4,889 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes in the US in 2017. Several entities play an integral role in getting these numbers down, from government agencies that promote highway safety to the commercial trucking companies and their drivers. The National Transportation Safety Board has made safety recommendations for agencies, associations, and companies in the hopes that everyone can work together to prevent deadly and destructive commercial vehicle accidents. The recommendations relevant to commercial trucking companies include the following.

Eliminate Distractions 

Driving distractions are deadly. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 398 people killed in crashes involving distracted driving in 2018. This is a 12 percent decrease from 2017. To further reduce distracted driving, trucking companies can:

  • Prohibit cellular device use except in emergencies.
  • Install in-cab video systems to monitor driving behavior.
  • Install GPS units that are intuitive and easy to operate while driving.
  • Install hands-free communication systems.

Test for Drug and Alcohol Toxicity 

The FMCSA has a stricter blood alcohol limit (.04) than the state of Texas (.08) does, but there will always be drivers who act unwisely with regard to drug and alcohol use. Commercial trucking companies can help prevent substance-impaired driving by doing the following.

  • Thoroughly vet prospective employees and avoid hiring DUI offenders. 
  • Submit employees to random drug and alcohol tests.
  • Inform employees about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol.

Reduce Speeding and Reckless Driving 

Speeding in excess of 10 mph over the speed limit is always dangerous, but the size and weight of commercial 18-wheelers increases the deadliness of reckless driving. In order to discourage speeding and other aggressive/careless driving behaviors, companies can take the following steps.

  • Don’t incentivize employees to drive recklessly by forcing them to stick to tight schedules. 
  • Establish a reporting channel for reckless driving and display the contact information on all of your vehicles. 
  • Hold reported drivers accountable for their actions. 

Implement Collision Mitigation Technology 

Manufacturers are beginning to include collision mitigation technology in commercial vehicles. These systems often include forward collision warning, blind spot assist, and automatic braking. Companies that purchase fleet vehicles equipped with this advanced safety technology could help reduce the number of accidents on the road.

Prevent Fatigue 

Fatigue can cloud a driver’s mind and judgment just like alcohol and drugs. A FMCSA study estimates that 13 percent of commercial motor vehicle drivers involved in a crash were fatigued at the time. Hours-of-service (HOS) regulations keep drivers from being on the road for more than 14 hours without a substantial break, but 14 hours is a long enough shift to bring many drivers to the point of exhaustion — and many drivers violate these regulations and drive longer. 

To avoid the dangers of fatigued driving, companies can:

  • Develop a program based on the North American Fatigue Management Program guidelines. 
  • Screen drivers for obstructive sleep apnea. This condition can make it difficult for drivers to stay awake and focus on the road. 
  • Create contingency plans for trip delays caused by driver fatigue, incapacitation, or illness. 

Schedule a Free Consultation with an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Sharing the road with large commercial vehicles means frequently facing the risk of a devastating accident. If you have been injured in a commercial vehicle collision, an 18-wheeler accident lawyer will support you and fight for your right to compensation.

We know the days and weeks after an 18-wheeler truck accident can be a stressful time involving physical, emotional, and financial hardship. FVF Law seeks to ease the burden by providing the support and guidance you need to receive the compensation you deserve and move on with your life. Contact us to schedule a free, no-pressure case consultation that will leave you feeling more confident about your next steps.  

Latest Articles
When to Contact an Attorney After a Texas Car Accident  

As a car accident victim in Texas, it can be difficult to know when you need to contact an attorney. You may wish to save money by handling your claim yourself, only to discover that…

When Can an OSHA Violation Be Considered Negligence?

Every year, construction continues to be one of the deadliest industries in Texas and throughout the country. Statistics for 2023 show that construction had the most fatalities in all industry sectors (1,075). In an effort…

Understanding Third-Party Liability in Texas Car Accidents

Car accidents are some of the most physically, emotionally and financially devastating incidents in Texas. A car crash can inflict severe injuries and take lives. It’s important to fully understand your rights as a car…

When Is a Government Entity Liable for an Austin Car Accident?

If you get into a car accident in Austin, you may assume that you can hold the individual driver who caused the crash responsible for paying for your losses. In certain situations, however, you may…

What Kind of Evidence Is Needed in an Austin Construction Accident Case?

Construction is a highly dangerous industry that sees a large number of annual worker injuries and deaths in Texas. Most of these devastating incidents are preventable and caused by someone’s negligence, or the failure to…

What Is the Difference Between Workers’ Comp and a Third-Party Construction Lawsuit?

A construction accident in Texas has the potential to cause significant injuries and deaths. In the aftermath of a harmful construction site incident, victims and family members may be able to collect financial compensation for…

What Happens if You Are Hit by a Driver Without a Valid License in Austin?

It is against the law to operate a vehicle without a valid and current driver’s license in Texas. Unfortunately, many drivers break this law and drive on suspended, revoked and cancelled licenses. Others drive without…

How to Handle Disputed Liability in a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Austin

It can be difficult to determine who is responsible for paying for medical expenses and property repairs after any car accident in Austin. After a multi-vehicle crash involving three or more drivers, liability determinations can…

Can Subcontractors Sue for Injuries on Texas Construction Sites?

The average construction site in Texas involves multiple contractors and subcontractors who have been hired by the general contractor to complete specific tasks. If you get injured while working as a subcontractor on a construction…

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Accident in Texas?

Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in Texas. Every year, hundreds of construction workers suffer serious and fatal injuries in on-the-job accidents. Many of these incidents are preventable, leading to questions about the…

When to Contact an Attorney After a Texas Car Accident  

As a car accident victim in Texas, it can be difficult to know when you need to contact an attorney. You may wish to save money by handling your claim yourself, only to discover that…

When Can an OSHA Violation Be Considered Negligence?

Every year, construction continues to be one of the deadliest industries in Texas and throughout the country. Statistics for 2023 show that construction had the most fatalities in all industry sectors (1,075). In an effort…

Understanding Third-Party Liability in Texas Car Accidents

Car accidents are some of the most physically, emotionally and financially devastating incidents in Texas. A car crash can inflict severe injuries and take lives. It’s important to fully understand your rights as a car…

When Is a Government Entity Liable for an Austin Car Accident?

If you get into a car accident in Austin, you may assume that you can hold the individual driver who caused the crash responsible for paying for your losses. In certain situations, however, you may…

What Kind of Evidence Is Needed in an Austin Construction Accident Case?

Construction is a highly dangerous industry that sees a large number of annual worker injuries and deaths in Texas. Most of these devastating incidents are preventable and caused by someone’s negligence, or the failure to…

What Is the Difference Between Workers’ Comp and a Third-Party Construction Lawsuit?

A construction accident in Texas has the potential to cause significant injuries and deaths. In the aftermath of a harmful construction site incident, victims and family members may be able to collect financial compensation for…