Large trucks in Massachusetts and other states across the nation are heavily depended on by individuals, businesses and major companies to make a variety of shipments. And while intrastate and interstate commerce relies on semi-trucks and tractor-trailer trucks to make these shipments on a timely schedule, these massive vehicles do pose a wide range of risks to other motorists on the roadway.
While federal trucking regulations have been passed to help safeguard the usage of commercial trucks and increase the safety of other travelers on the roadway, this does not prevent some trucking companies from violating these regulations. Even more so, some truck drivers, under the direction of their employers, will violate these laws to ensure deliveries and shipments are timely made.
How does the government prevent federal trucking regulation violations? A final rule was published in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in order to keep commercial truck drivers from being compelled to violate federal trucking regulations.
In other words, this final rule provides the FMCSA with the authority to take enforcement action against motor carriers, shippers, receivers and transportation intermediaries if it is determined if federal regulations were violated in the commission of a shipment.
This final rule addresses three key areas of concern, which include the procedures for commercial truck drivers to report incidents of coercion to the FMCSA, steps the agency can take when allegations are reported and the penalties that can be imposed.
The major concern surrounding federal trucking regulations is the risks and dangers it poses other motorists. In the event of a truck accident, it is important for accident victims to understand whether a negligent trucking company was at fault. This could help a victim seek compensation for any serious injuries suffered and damages incurred.
Source: Truckingnewsonline.com, “FMCSA Final Rule Protects Truck Drivers from Coerced Safety Violations,” Nov. 30, 2015
