by Queener Law | Mar 17, 2016 | Tennessee, Trucking Accident
Washington, DC – April 25, 2016—This week the United States Senate began deliberations on a new budget for the Department of Transportation. Though the purpose of the bill is to fund both the Department of Transportation and HUD, there are provisions in the budget that are deeply troubling to groups lobbying for safer roads.
Groups opposing the bill point to several key provisions that indicate capitulation to the trucking industry, and increase the risk of accidents. The most controversial provision changes the current calculation on hours of service restarts for drivers.
Current rules state that drivers are required to take a 34 hour break once they reach their hours of service cap for a seven day period. The break reduces driver fatigue, the leading cause of semi truck accidents. The new bill would permanently roll back hours of service restarts to pre-2011 levels, a decision which significantly reduces the downtime between restarts and eliminates mandatory 30 minute breaks for long-haul drivers.
The trucking industry and its lobbyists argue the reduction in restart periods is vital to maintain profitability for trucking companies and higher wages for drivers. Profits for trucking companies have remained flat since the start of the Great Recession, despite the recent drop in the price of diesel. If trucking companies are unable to increase the turnover rate of their trucks through more frequent deliveries, American Trucking Associations believe there will be a collapse of the transportation industry.
Henry Queener, a semi truck accident lawyer in Nashville, sees proposed changes to the hours of service in the Department of Transportation budget as a clear step in the wrong direction. “We’ve seen a steady increase in the number of fatal semi truck accidents, as well as continued increases in the economic cost of accidents. Putting tired drivers on the road, and encouraging drivers to miss hour of service restarts, will make all of our roads a lot less safe”.
The budget debate is certain to be contentious, especially after the trucking industry suffered setbacks with proposed speed limiters and a Congressional refusal to increase the size and weight of trucks.
by Queener Law | Mar 16, 2016 | Tennessee, Trucking Accident
New rules make it easier to hold truckers accountable for how many hours they are behind the wheel. This will cut down on the number off accidents caused by sleepy drives, officials hope.
A new proposal would require truckers to electronically record their time behind the wheel. This has been mandated by federal law late in 2015, but Tennessee has not yet officially adopted the measure. When there is an accident with a big truck, there are often fatalities. Studies have shown one reason trucks get into accidents is tired or sleepy drivers, an this rule is aimed at making that happen less often.
In 2013 rules were passed by the Tennessee Legislature that limit how much time a trucker can drive, and it required certain amounts of time to be taken off. Recording the hours electronically takes it a step further by making verification easier.
A Nashville truck accident lawyer said he welcomed the changes.
“Ultimately we want to see fewer accidents and fewer deaths on the highways,” Henry Queener of the Queener Law Office in Nashville said. “Holding truckers accountable will help keep them off the road when they are drowsy. It might also protect them from being abused by their companies, so it benefits everyone.”
According to an Associated Press story, truckers have kept paper logs in the past, but new technology will keep track of engine hours, vehicle movement, miles driven, and location, which will make it hard for anyone to work around the system. For years paper records have been kept, but it was easy to keep two sets of records, or to even just put in wrong information.
Truckers often face a double edged sword of sorts. The temptation is great at times to grab another load. They may not feel tired, think they can handle it and the money is tempting. Also sometimes employers give hard deadlines and drivers are behind the wheel longer than they should be. Either situation can make them sleepy and unsafe behind the wheel. If you are in an accident contact a truck accident lawyer in Tennessee.
by Queener Law | Mar 14, 2016 | Colorado, Kentucky, Tennessee, Trucking Accident
Despite the attention that distracted driving and large truck accidents has had in the media over the last few years, and federal laws which are geared towards reducing the number of accidents due to distracted driving, recent investigations reveal that distracted driving still remains a problem for truck drivers. In fact, distracted driving plays a role in an estimated 8 percent of large truck accidents each year. While 8 percent doesn’t seem like a number of much magnitude, when an individual considers that there are approximately 4,000 fatalities due to large truck accidents in the United States each year, and an estimated 284 injuries each day caused by accidents with big rigs, 8 percent is actually a large number.
Since safety advocates first began evaluating the issue of distracted driving and the big rigs, the use of cellphones has been a major focus. In 2012, a federal law went into effect banning the use of handheld cellphones while operating a commercial truck. The law includes interstate truck drivers and bus drivers as well as drivers who transport “placardable quantities of hazardous materials”.
The Dangers of Using Cellphones While Driving
Countless commercial vehicle drivers still use their cellphones regularly while driving, but the effects of doing so can be catastrophic.
- Research shows that commercial motor vehicle operators who use their cellphones to text while driving are 23 times more likely to become involved in an accident or safety critical event than drivers who did not text and drive.
- Truck drivers who use their cellphones to place or receive calls and performed other operations that required dialing were 6 times more likely to experience an event than those who avoided such cellphone usage.
- Drivers who reach for a cellphone or other object in such a manner that interferes with a safe driving position are approximately 7 times more likely to become involved in a safety critical event.
Drivers typically take their eyes off of the road for between 3.8 and 4.6 seconds when texting or dialing. During that short period of time a commercial vehicle traveling approximately 55 mph. will cover more ground than a football field- an estimated 300 ft.
While using handheld devices is strictly prohibited, using them in a hands-free manner is generally acceptable. Any hands-free device needs to be within close proximity to the trucker. Additionally, the federal regulations regarding cellphones do not apply to devices used for dispatching unless texting is involved.
The Penalties for Driving and Using Cellphones
For those who are caught texting or using handheld cellphones while operating a motor vehicle, the penalties can be severe.
- Drivers can face fines of up to $2,750
- Second and subsequent offenses can result in the truck driver being placed out of service for up to 120 days.
- Violations will have a negative impact on the employer’s Safety Measurement System rating.
- Employers can be fined up to $11,000 if they require or knowingly allow their truck drivers to text or use hand-held cellphones while operating a commercial vehicle.
- Violations of the law are considered to be serious traffic violations and penalties are taken with consideration of the existing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines.
In addition to the above stated penalties, drivers who violate the law could be subject to whatever punishments their employer wishes to dish out in accordance to their own policies. Since many companies have policies that are similar to those regulations set forth by the federal law, and truckers who use handheld cellphones while driving are at a higher risk for accidents, they are like lawsuits waiting to happen. Termination of employment upon violation of the law is common.
Although many states have not set their own laws regarding commercial vehicles and cellphone usage, truckers should be aware that they are still required to follow the regulations set forth by the federal law when traveling interstate, regardless of the state they are in.
Other Forms of Distracted Driving Among Truck Drivers
Unfortunately, using cellphones while driving is not the only form of distracted driving that effects truckers and their risk of accidents. The unique lifestyle that goes along with trucking brings with it a strong temptation, and sometimes necessity, to perform other tasks while driving. Two of the more common distractions among truckers are:
- Eating or Drinking: Due to strict deadlines, many truckers don’t have the time to pull over and eat when they are hungry. Therefore, they often grab something to go and eat on the road to make deliveries on time.
- Reading Maps or GPS Screens: Since truckers often travel in areas that they are unfamiliar with, it is an extremely common practice for them to take their eyes off of the road to look at directions.
by Queener Law | Mar 14, 2016 | Colorado, Kentucky, Tennessee, Trucking Accident
A truck driver’s health directly impacts their ability to operate a big rig truck safely. One often overlooked issue that affects a truckers ability to safely do their job are respiratory conditions.
Sleep Apnea
Nearly one third of truck drivers have sleep apnea. One problem is that the condition is under diagnosed. Persons with the condition stop breathing for short periods when they are asleep. This can occur up to 400 times a night. Since sleep apnea occurs when the person is asleep, many people don’t realize they have it unless a partner mentions it. Recent studies show that truckers who have untreated sleep apnea have five times more crashes than other truck drivers.
This makes it impossible for the person to get a restful nights sleep. As a result they are fatigued during the day, even if they have gotten enough hours of sleep. Falling asleep isn’t the only risk associated with the disorder. It can also affect concentration and memory, which can also increase the truckers risk of an accident.
Current Regulations and Reporting
Truckers have to undergo a health examination once every two years. They are not currently required to check for signs or risk factors of sleep apnea, however. The truckers are asked one question about a possible sleep disorder on the questionnaire that they are required to fill out. The issue is many don’t recognize symptoms like loud snoring or daytime fatigue as being out of the ordinary, and many that do realize their condition don’t admit it out of fear of loosing their job.
Diagnosis and Treatment
For most people, sleep apnea is a very treatable condition. However, they must be diagnosed first. While there are signs and risk factors to be taken into account, the only way to diagnose sleep apnea for certain is to do a sleep study where the patient is observed and monitored while they sleep. Sleep apnea is generally treated with a CPAP mask, but oral appliances and surgery can be options for some.
A trucking accident attorney can use untreated sleep apnea as a way to prove that the trucker was liable for the accident. While it isn’t a hard and fast rule, there are a growing number of cases where a trucking accident attorney recovered for their client on the basis of sleep apnea.
by Queener Law | Mar 11, 2016 | Tennessee, Trucking Accident
Statistics show that approximately 5,000 people die every year in semi truck accidents in the United States. Out of those 5,000 fatalities, 700 people are drivers or passengers in heavy trucks, and 4,300 people are drivers or passengers in cars and small pickups that are hit by big rigs. Due to the high number of semi truck collisions on U.S. highways, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has advised the public about potential accident dangers.
Semi trucks can be deadly on the highway because of their size and weight. When traveling at speeds of 65 to 70 mph, a semi truck requires a much longer time to come to a stop than a smaller vehicle, especially when it’s fully loaded. Even in the best of circumstances with driver awareness and good road conditions, cars traveling in front of semi trucks are at a much higher risk for serious accidents and injuries.
In Hammond, Indiana, a 22-year-old woman was killed in an accident with a semi truck when she had to stop suddenly behind a concrete truck. The semi truck behind her could not stop and collided with the car, pushing it into the concrete truck. The car burst into flames, and the woman was killed. A wrongful death lawsuit was filed, and the victim’s estate was awarded a $2.8 million settlement.
In a similar Virginia accident, a semi truck driver tried to stop as he approached an unexpected traffic slowdown, but could not stop in time. The tractor-trailer rear-ended a car, pushing it into a nearby guardrail, then hit an SUV, pushing it forward into a pickup truck. After hitting three vehicles, the semi truck jackknifed, trapping the first car between the tractor and the trailer. The driver of the first car, a 38-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at a local medical center.
According to Henry Queener, a Nashville semi truck accident attorney, “speed, overloaded trucks, and truck driver fatigue all contribute to semi truck accidents on U.S. highways. If a sudden stop occurs in front of a fast moving, fully-loaded semi truck, a rear end collision is a likely possibility.”
by Queener Law | Mar 11, 2016 | Tennessee, Trucking Accident
Tennessee’s roads host over 77,000 big rigs on an average day. While regulations exist at both the state and national level to keep the roads safe from tired drivers, over-sized loads and untrained operators, the reality is vehicle maintenance is one of the greatest contributors to a semi truck accident. Attorneys and law enforcement officials alike are increasingly aware of the vital role good maintenance plays in big rig safety on Tennessee’s roads. The three most common maintenance mistakes pertain to tires, brakes and ignoring alerts.
Tire problems
Tire failure in big rigs poses a serious road hazard. Having under or over-inflated tires can have a negative impact on a driver’s ability to control a semi truck. What’s more, worn tires provide a less stable environment for transporting heavy goods. Fleet maintenanceprofessionals focus on regular tire checks to keep their vehicles performing well, and to stay within the guidelines that the manufacturers set out for safe operation.
Brake failure
Combined with tire failure, defective brakes account for five of the top 10 reasons semi trucks were given out of service citations in 2014. Determining the root cause of braking failure can occupy a lot of space on a semi truck accident attorney’s desk. While braking failure can be because of poor maintenance, it can also be the result of improper control of the vehicle. Brakes can become overheated easily in heavy traffic or on winding roads. Also, when improperly applied, specialized breaking systems of big rigs can cause loads to shift, creating dangerous situations for all road users.
Ignoring warnings, alerts and scheduled maintenance
Maintenance, particularly of a fleet of vehicles, can be a complicated job. According to a report in the Chattanooga Times Free Press last December, many drivers will ask a trooper to inspect their vehicle at a roadside inspection station, because there’s a niggling indicator light that won’t switch off or the driver feels the company’s maintenance technicians ignored a problem. Left unchecked, some of the issues such an inspection can flag are truly dangerous: faulty steering rods, failing lights, and of course those tires and brakes.
In a profession packed with the pressures of physical work and tight deadlines, balancing proper maintenance and safety against a semi truck driver’s schedule may be difficult. But it is a vital component of safer roads for all.
