The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that was enacted to improve the safety of commercial motor vehicles. The agency develops and enforces regulations to balance safety and efficiency. It also provides trucking companies and truck drivers with guidance on how to improve safety and avoid accidents. If FMCSA safety standards are properly implemented, the likelihood of a New Mexico car accident may be reduced.
Some of the easiest and most basic ways commercial motor vehicle drivers can avoid an accident is to load all cargo carefully and evenly. Drivers should take steps to ensure that their cargo is loaded securely and will remain that way throughout the entirety of the trip. Further, truck drivers should take the time to become very familiar with their trucks, including knowing where all blind spots are located and the stopping distance of the truck under regular circumstances.
Drivers should also ensure that their trucks are in proper working order before embarking on any trip. This means inspecting their vehicles and making sure that it is up to all current safety standards. Moreover, truck drivers have an awareness of the traffic and safety rules of all the states they will be traveling through.
Although commercial trucks are the largest vehicles on the road; this does not mean that truck drivers own the road. Truck drivers should ensure that they yield to smaller vehicles and allow the vehicles to pass them safely. Finally, although it may seem obvious, truck drivers should make sure that they are well-rested and not distracted throughout the entirety of their trip.
Dump Truck Driver Involved in Crash Did Not Inspect Vehicle
According to a recent news report, police have just released a lengthy accident report following a serious dump truck accident. The accident occurred about five months ago when a dump truck’s brakes failed, causing the truck to run through a red light, eventually slamming into several cars. The accident report indicated that the collision was avoidable.
In fact, it seems that the trucking company and the truck’s driver failed to inspect the vehicle prior to the trip and did not properly fix several mechanical problems with the truck. Lawyers indicated that the blatant failure to inspect the vehicle shows a conscious disregard for safety and should result in punitive damages.
Have You Been Injured in a Trucking Accident in New Mexico?
New Mexico truck accidents can be physically, financially, and emotionally devastating. It makes for an even harsher reality when it becomes evident that the accident could have been avoided if the truck driver took the proper steps to ensure safety. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Mexico truck accident you should contact the dedicated and experienced accident attorneys at the Fine Law Firm. Our attorneys can assist you in getting the monetary compensation you deserve. Contact the Fine Law Firm at 800-640-6590 to schedule your free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Woman Awarded $20 Million After Husband Was Struck by Oncoming Train, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, June 6, 2018.
How New Mexico’s Pure Comparative Negligence Statue Works to Divide Fault in New Mexico Truck Accident Cases, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, May 23, 2018.