The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in May 2016 that there are about 1,704,520 truck driving jobs in the nation. With so many drivers handling large vehicles, you would expect them to prioritize road safety and never take any chances while driving. But this isn’t always true.
Whether the driver is reckless or overworked, there are times when truckers can be unsafe on the road. This negligence can cause accidents with serious injuries and damages.
Where Do You Report Unsafe Drivers?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration makes it easy to report unsafe drivers. Their page allows you to report concerns with safety, service, and discrimination issues. Your contact options are:
- Phone Call. Call their number 1-888-DOT-SAFT (368-7238). The line is open Monday-Friday from 8am-8pm.
- Online. If you’d rather not call someone, you can submit a complaint.
They also make a note that if you see something that is a direct safety emergency, then you should call 911.
What Are Common Signs of Unsafe Truck Drivers?
Truck drivers can make poor decisions that risk their safety and others. The CDC reported in 2010 that about 6 percent of truck drivers never wore a seat belt. Of that 6 percent, 15 percent admitted to speeding, 32 percent were employed at a company without a written safety program, and 37 percent lived in a state that didn’t have a primary belt law.
There are telltale signs of an unsafe truck driver that you will immediately recognize on the highway:
- Aggressive Driving. Speeding, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic are signs of an aggressive driver. Truck drivers need more time to slow down or turn, and risk causing an accident when they don’t allow enough time for those changes.
- Ignoring Road Conditions. Drivers should always pay attention to the road conditions. Poor road conditions like snow or ice means driving more cautiously, or pulling off the road until it’s safe to drive. Truck drivers who aren’t adjusting their driving behaviors with the weather could easily cause an accident.
- Failure to Use Signal. Lane changes and turns are more difficult and take more time with large trucks. They need to let other drivers know what they plan to do.
- Distracted Driving. Texting, talking on the phone, or eating are unsafe actions to do while driving. They take your mind, vision, and handling away from the road. Truck drivers are no exception to this rule and should always be focused on driving.
It’s not safe to be on the road with a person exhibiting these behaviors. To report this, pull over and call the police to inform them of the dangerous truck driver.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, know that you don’t have to go through the claims process alone. The Law Office of Todd W. Burris has experience in truck accident cases and will help you get the compensation you need. Don’t wait another day. Call now at (859) 252-2222 for a free consultation.