June 28, 2013 There were more than 3,000 fatal truck accidents in the United States in 2009. That same year, more than 93,000 motorists sustained Truck Accident Injuries as a result of a collision with a big rig. One of the leading contributing factors to these crashes was a lack of experience behind the wheel on the part of the truck driver. In an effort to reduce the number of these accidents, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is initiating a new program to address the lack of basic training standards for new drivers entering the trucking industry. According to an article from Trucking Info, current law states that in order to operate a commercial tractor-trailer, an individual need only acquire a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The testing to receive a CDL only covers basic vehicle operation though, and drivers do not receive enough training on the numerous regulations they must follow on the road. Experts say an industry focus on getting drivers their CDLs quickly often leads to accidents. The “Truckers for Safety” program offers an agenda for drivers to receive more training in areas left off of CDL testing, as well as recommendations for updating infrastructure and enforcement efforts. The Personal Injury Lawyers with William Mattar Law Offices applaud the new program and are hopeful it is successful in reducing the number of trucking accidents across the nation.
“Truckers For Safety” Campaign Aims to Reduce Truck Accidents