Trucking Safety 101: Three Things Meant to Make Semi-Trucks Safer on the Road in Ventura and Why They May Not Prevent Serious Trucking Accidents

Accidents involving semi-trucks in Ventura are especially dangerous. From their extreme weight to their unwieldy size, semi-trucks are massive machines that can become death machines when involved in collisions with smaller cars.

Although semi-trucks and 18-wheeler-trucks are dangerous when involved in accidents with other vehicles in Ventura, the truth of the matter is that they are also necessary for Ventura residents to get the goods and products that they need. Recognizing the importance of semi-trucks to commerce in California and the dangers that they may present to drivers on the road, federal and state law makers have promulgated rules and regulations to make trucking safer for everyone on the highway. But what are some of these safety regulations, and are they sufficient to keep Ventura drivers safe? Here we explore three things that are meant to make trucking safer for Ventura drivers, and why they may not protect you against a trucking accident in Ventura.

CDL Requirements in the Trucking Industry

At the outset, it is important for Ventura residents to know that semi-truck drivers and commercial truck drivers must undergo training to obtain their Commercial Truck Driver’s License (CDL) to operate a semi-truck on the road. Although this training usually involves in-class and on-the-job training, even the most experienced and careful CDL drivers can still drive negligently. Therefore, Ventura drivers should be aware that anybody can make mistakes on the road and cause serious, even fatal car accidents, including highly trained truck drivers.

Hours of Service Regulations for CDL Trucking Drivers

In addition to the fact that semi-truck drivers must obtain their CDL license, truck drivers must also adhere to strict rules and regulations regarding the number of hours that they can be on duty and driving the truck. Due to the long hours that they drive, truck drivers are especially at risk of fatigue behind the wheel. Therefore, Ventura drivers should be on the lookout for drowsy truck drivers and remain vigilant when driving around semi-trucks.

Rules of the Road in Ventura

Of course, just like all drivers on the road, semi-truck and commercial truck drivers are subject to the same rules of the road. Truck drivers are prohibited from driving while drunk or intoxicated and must not be reckless or violate the rules and laws of the road when driving on Ventura roads.

Getting Legal Help for Your Truck Accident Case in Ventura

In sum, the unfortunate reality is that even with the rules and regulations that are already in place under state and federal laws, serious semi-truck accidents can and do happen in Ventura. If you were injured in a semi-truck or commercial truck accident in Ventura and you need legal help, contact the experienced Ventura truck accident lawyers at Zavala Law, PC. The experienced Ventura truck accident lawyers at Zavala Law, PC are here to help victims of serious truck accidents get justice. Do not hesitate to speak to a lawyer about your case today. Contact Zavala Law, PC and discuss your case with a lawyer now.