Every day, across America, we rely on commercial trucks. Without them, our store shelves wouldn't be stocked with important items from groceries to medical supplies. But when trucking companies and drivers cut corners on safety, these 80,000-pound giants can become deadly threats on the road. As a result, thousands of serious and fatal truck accidents happen across the United States, including in Arkansas.
In 2024, law enforcement officers in California and Iowa uncovered shocking safety violations in the trucking industry that demonstrate how dangerous ignoring safety regulations is. Below, is an overview of some of the most alarming violations and what trucking companies and drivers must do to keep our roads safe.
The most shocking truck violations of 2024
California’s highways saw some truly alarming safety failures in 2024. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported several cases where reckless behavior and poor vehicle maintenance could have led to disaster. Fortunately, these drivers were taken off the road before causing a serious crash.
In one case, CHP officers stopped a semi-truck rolling down the highway without a tire. The tire on one wheel had been worn down so much that the rim was grinding against the pavement. The driver had no idea until officers flagged them down. Another driver was caught speeding far above California’s 55 mph speed limit for large trucks. Speeding in such a heavy vehicle drastically reduces stopping time and increases the force of impact in a crash.
The Iowa State Patrol (ISP) also found shocking safety violations that endangered countless drivers on the road. The most alarming ones included:
- Severely damaged tires and lights: ISP stopped a truck with flat, misaligned tires pointing in opposite directions and nonfunctional trailer lights. The driver claimed to be unaware of these serious hazards.
- Broken trailer frame: In another case, a truck was leaning dangerously due to a snapped trailer frame. Despite the obvious danger, the driver continued operating the vehicle.
- Bridge strike and reckless driving: One driver struck a low bridge, which severely damaged the trailer, but kept driving, risking debris falling onto the road.
- Drunk driving: ISP officers pulled over a commercial driver drinking hard liquor behind the wheel. The driver’s blood alcohol level was nearly five times the legal limit for commercial drivers.
- Unregistered truck with unsecured cargo: Officers also stopped a truck carrying oversized freight without permits, registration, or insurance. The truck hadn’t been registered in 16 years, and the cargo was dangerously unsecured.
How can truck drivers and companies prevent collisions?
Truck drivers and trucking companies have a responsibility to follow safety regulations designed to protect everyone on the road. Neglecting these responsibilities can have deadly consequences. Here’s how the trucking industry can prevent accidents:
Follow federal hours of service regulations
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents. Federal Hours of Service regulations limit how long drivers can operate without rest. Drivers must take at least 10 consecutive off-duty hours before starting a shift and can drive no more than 11 hours during a 14-hour workday. They must also take a 30-minute break after eight hours of driving. Ignoring these rules increases the risk of fatigue-related crashes.
Conduct thorough inspections before and after trips
Drivers must complete daily vehicle inspections and follow strict reporting rules to keep roads safe. If a driver receives a roadside inspection report, they must give it to their carrier within 24 hours. Any “out-of-service” issues must be fixed before the vehicle can operate again. Carriers must sign and return the report within 15 days, confirming all violations were corrected, and keep a copy for 12 months.
Additionally, drivers must complete a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report after each workday, noting any defects in key parts like brakes, tires, lights, and steering that could impact safety or cause breakdowns.
Perform regular maintenance and keep accurate records
Trucking companies must regularly inspect, repair, and maintain all commercial vehicles to keep them safe and roadworthy. Employees responsible for vehicle maintenance must follow federal safety regulations under 49 CFR 396. This includes ensuring that all parts (e.g., frames, suspensions, axles, wheels, and steering systems) are always in proper working condition.
Secure cargo properly
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transport, causing rollovers, jackknifing, or spills. Federal regulations require that freight be evenly distributed and properly secured. Overloaded or uneven cargo can make trucks unstable, especially during sharp turns or sudden stops.
Hire and train qualified drivers
Operating a semi-truck requires specialized skills. Trucking companies must hire drivers with valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and provide ongoing safety training. Drivers also need to pass physical fitness exams to handle the demands of long-haul driving.
Monitor and correct unsafe driving behaviors
Companies must actively monitor their drivers to prevent unsafe practices like speeding, hard braking, and distracted driving. Telematics systems can track driving habits in real time, allowing companies to address risky behavior before it leads to an accident.
Injured in a truck accident? Trust our law firm to fight for the compensation you deserve
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Arkansas, you deserve experienced legal representation to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. The physical, emotional, and financial burdens can feel overwhelming; that's why the attorneys at McDaniel Law Firm, PLC are committed to holding negligent truck drivers and their employers accountable when their actions result in someone's injury or death.
Our firm has extensive experience handling truck accident cases across Arkansas. We work quickly to investigate truck accidents, gather key evidence, and consult with industry experts to build strong cases. Trucking companies and their insurers often act fast to protect their interests, but our law firm is always one step ahead of them. No matter how much they try to deny wrongdoing or downplay your claim, the facts will speak for themselves.
Best of all, you don’t have to worry about the cost of hiring us. McDaniel Law Firm, PLC works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We also offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your situation and explain how we can help.
Contact us online or call us to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice.
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