Most Commonly Ignored Trucking Regulations

Ever wonder what happens when truckers disregard safety rules? In 2023, New York recorded 4,461 large truck accidents resulting in injuries and another 86 that proved fatal. Behind many of these devastating accidents are violations of trucking regulations meant to protect everyone on the road.

If you or a loved one was injured in a large truck accident, you have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable. An experienced Syracuse truck accident lawyer can help you investigate the crash, uncover violations, and negotiate for the maximum compensation you deserve.

The Importance of Trucking Regulations

Like many transportation regulations, trucking regulations uphold safety standards, keep people safe, and reduce the risk of accidents.

Large trucks and their trailers can weigh over 60,000 lbs., making any collision with them far more devastating than a typical car accident. Without safety rules and appropriate training, even a minor mistake while operating a commercial truck can be fatal to other road users.

Commonly Ignored Truck Regulations and Their Causes

Both state and federal agencies regulate trucking in New York. Organizations like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the NYS Department of Transportation set and enforce trucking regulations to uphold safety and operational standards.

However, following these regulations can be time-consuming and expensive. Trucking is a high-stress industry with tight deadlines and slim profit margins, which can tempt some to cut corners.

Here’s an overview of some of the most commonly ignored truck regulations in New York and the reasons why:

Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

According to federal regulations, commercial truck drivers transporting goods and property must respect the following limits:

• No more than 11 hours of consecutive driving after at least 10 hours off-duty.

• No driving beyond the 14^th consecutive hour after going on duty on any given day, even if less than 11 hours of driving have been logged.

• When driving for at least eight consecutive hours, drivers must take a 30-minute break.

These regulations limit the risk of truck driver fatigue and encourage proper rest periods. The state also mandates the use of compliance technologies, such as electronic logging devices (ELDs), to ensure these rules are followed.

Why It’s Ignored: Many trucking companies are under tight deadlines and delivery windows. Drivers and their employers often falsify their driving logs or drive beyond the federal limits to log in more miles and meet deadlines.

Vehicle Maintenance Regulations

The FMCSA and the New York State Department of Transportation require companies that own commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to follow inspection, repairs, and maintenance standards.

• Federal Laws: All CMVs and their parts and accessories must be inspected, repaired, and maintained according to the rules outlined in 49 CFR 393 and 49 CFR 396

• State Laws: In addition to federal standards, NYSDOT enforces additional rules, such as daily vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) and thorough annual vehicle inspections.

These rules prevent poorly maintained vehicles from being on the road. They help reduce the rate of mechanical failures, such as worn brakes or blown tires, and the associated accident risks.

Why It’s Ignored: Inspections, maintenance, and reports take time to complete. Any truck undergoing maintenance, repairs, or upgrades to remain compliant with state and federal laws is not on the road delivering cargo. Many companies shorten, avoid, or falsify these inspections as a time-saving measure.

Cargo Loading Rules

In New York, if the truck and trailer’s weight exceeds the maximum allowable weight under the NYS Bridge Formula, the CMV owner must obtain an appropriate state permit.

Additionally, all cargo must be secured according to federal rules (49 CFR 393).

Why It’s Ignored: Some trucking companies may load more cargo in a single truck than is safe or allowed by the laws. This is typically a cost-saving measure, reducing the number of trips.

Doing so can often prevent drivers and truck owners from following proper cargo securement rules, as trailers are loaded beyond their safe limits.

Cargo Loading Rules

CMV drivers in New York must follow federal requirements outlined in 49 CFR 391. They include:

• Minimum age
• Licensing
• Fitness
• Driving record
• Language proficiency standards

Each driver is also expected to be sufficiently safe and proficient while operating a large truck.

Why It’s Ignored: The trucking industry suffers from shortages, pressuring companies to shorten or cut back on vetting and training.

This increases the risk of truck drivers not having the skills, safety training, or language proficiency to be safe on the road.

Proving Regulatory Violations After Your Truck Accident

If you or a loved one was hurt in a semi-truck accident, a Syracuse truck accident lawyer can help you obtain evidence of potential regulatory violations by:

• Securing ELD data or driver logbooks to check for hours-of-service (HOS) violations.
• Requesting the driver’s qualification file to review their background, medical certification, and training.
• Accessing inspection and maintenance records to ensure the truck met safety standards.
• Reviewing cargo securement logs and weight data to confirm compliance with load limits.
• Working with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash scene and identify possible violations.

Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, evidence of regulatory violation can disappear quickly. The responsible parties may delete or overwrite the evidence you need to support your case and hold them liable.

The truck accident attorneys at Catalano Law have the experience and resources to help you protect your rights and move quickly to secure the evidence you need.

Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.