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While heading north on the Thruway, a flatbed truck ahead of you starts drifting between lanes, and you notice loose straps flapping in the wind. That’s not just poor driving, you think—it’s a potential crash waiting to happen.
Sharing the road with large commercial trucks can already feel intimidating, but it becomes a serious hazard when a truck is being operated recklessly.
In New York State, dangerous truck driving puts everyone at risk of catastrophic accidents. Knowing what to look for and how to respond safely can protect you, your passengers, and others on the road.
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a negligent truck driver, our Syracuse truck accident lawyers are ready to help you pursue compensation.
How to Spot a Dangerous Truck
Not all risky driving looks the same. Here are the most common red flags that a truck driver may be operating their vehicle unsafely:
- Frequent or Sudden Lane Changes: Trucks require more space to maneuver. A driver weaving through traffic may be distracted, aggressive, or under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Tailgating or Speeding: Following too closely behind smaller vehicles is especially dangerous for trucks due to their longer stopping distances.
- Swerving or Drifting Between Lanes: This may be a sign of fatigue, intoxication, or distracted driving.
- Erratic Braking or Acceleration: Sudden stops or bursts of speed can signal inattention or mechanical issues.
- Improperly Secured Cargo: If you see straps flapping or loads that look uneven or unstable, it could lead to debris falling into traffic or a rollover.
- Signs of Driver Fatigue: Trucks that slow down unexpectedly, have inconsistent speeds, or drift toward the shoulder may have a drowsy driver behind the wheel.
Trucks in New York must follow both state and federal safety regulations, including limits on driving hours, weight limits, and cargo securement.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that commercial drivers take regular rest breaks and prohibits driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or fatigue. Violations of these rules are not only dangerous; they’re illegal.
What You Should Do to Stay Safe
If you spot a truck displaying any of the above behaviors, prioritize your own safety by taking these steps:
- Keep Your Distance: Move away from the truck by either slowing down or carefully passing it when safe. Avoid staying in blind spots.
- Stay Calm and Don’t Engage: Never attempt to “teach a lesson” or retaliate. Aggressive driving can escalate the danger.
- Document What You Can: If you have a passenger, ask them to safely record a video or jot down key details like the trucking company name, license plate number, time, and location. If you’re alone, wait until you’re safely parked to make notes.
- Use Your Dashcam: If you have a dashcam, make sure it’s functioning and timestamped. Video footage can be critical evidence in both reporting and legal cases.
How to Properly Report Dangerous Truck Driving
If the truck’s behavior poses an immediate threat, such as swerving into oncoming traffic, running vehicles off the road, or almost causing a collision, call 911 right away. Law enforcement can intercept the truck and potentially prevent an accident.
For non-emergency situations, here’s how to report dangerous commercial drivers:
- Contact the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration):
Use the FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database to file a report about unsafe driving. This federal agency oversees trucking safety and investigates repeated complaints. - Call the Carrier: If you see a “How’s my driving?” sticker or company contact information on the truck, you can call to report the incident. Many carriers track complaints and monitor driver behavior.
When filing a report, try to include these details:
- Trucking company name
- License plate number and/or USDOT number (usually found on the side of the cab)
- Time and date of the incident
- Location (roadway name, nearest exit, or mile marker)
- Description of the unsafe behavior
Why Reporting Matters
Every report of dangerous truck driving helps create safer roads for everyone. Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks can cause severe injuries or fatalities in a crash. Speaking up may prevent a future accident and hold irresponsible companies accountable.
Even if no accident occurs, your report could trigger an internal review or government investigation that improves training, enforces rest rules, or removes unsafe drivers from the road.
After a Truck Accident, Trust Catalano Law to Fight for You
If a negligent truck driver caused your accident, you have rights. Our Syracuse truck accident lawyers know how to investigate these cases, gather evidence, and win the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Call Catalano Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s hold dangerous drivers accountable and get you the compensation you need to move forward.
