When we get into our cars for work, recreation, errands, or any other reason, we should have a basic expectation of being reasonably safe. There are laws in place and strict regulations on the trucking industry that are meant to protect drivers from needless accidents.
However, some situations raise serious questions as to the effectiveness of our current systems and whether we should be doing more to protect drivers.
A Shocking Set of Circumstances
According to a recent article in Overdrive online, a truck driver was involved in an accident that killed another driver. The other driver was standing out by his vehicle after he had been involved in a single-car crash earlier that day.
This story is certainly tragic enough on its own.
But the story becomes alarming when looking more closely into the details. The man driving the truck was texting while driving, recovering from a recent methamphetamines high, disqualified from driving by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and was exceeding his maximum hours of service at the time of the accident.
This list of violations and dangerous behaviors is astonishing.
Can’t We Do Better?
This commercial truck accident raises some important questions about whether we can do more to protect people on the roads.
- More oversight over licensure requirements: This truck driver was disqualified for driving (because he tested positive for meth in January 2015). Why is he on the road? Who hired him?
- More control over texting while driving: The truck driver was apparently texting while driving shortly before the accident. It seems like something should be done to limit this behavior and reduce the risk for everyone.
These are just a couple of examples of how the system is failing right now. If a driver is able to get a trucking job after being grounded by a federal administrative agency and be on the road while coming down from meth and driving too many hours at a time, it seems we can do much more to protect drivers.
A story like this can be quite unsettling for anyone out on the road. Hopefully, those charged with protecting our roadways will improve our systems to prevent tragedies like this, but in the meantime, make sure to drive with extreme caution.
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At The Lawrence Firm, our extensive experience in handling motor vehicle accident claims sets us apart as a trusted advocate for accident victims in Northern Kentucky and Ohio. With a deep understanding of the nuances involved in these cases, we work tirelessly to build strong cases on behalf of our clients. Our commitment to personalized attention ensures that you’re not just another case; you’re a valued individual seeking justice and compensation.Â
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, let our seasoned legal team navigate the legal complexities while you focus on recovery. Schedule a consultation with the Ohio and Kentucky personal injury attorneys at The Lawrence Firm today by calling (800) 698-4054 or contacting us online and rest assured knowing that your claim is in capable and dedicated hands.