Some Missouri drivers may be a bit concerned when they have to share the road with trucks and other larger vehicles. Normally, there’s nothing to worry about if such vehicles are well-maintained and the drivers are following rules specific to their industry. However, the results of an inspection blitz spearheaded by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance suggest drivers of smaller vehicles may have cause for concern. During a three-day period June 5-7, nearly 70,000 roadside inspections were conducted and 11,000-plus trucks and buses and nearly 3,000 drivers were taken out of service.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance periodically conducts roadside inspection sprees as part of efforts to reduce truck accidents and improve overall safety for other motorists and pedestrians. Just over 20 percent of the trucks that underwent level I inspections ended up being placed out of service. Following level II and III inspections, nearly 4 percent of drivers were kept off the road because of the results. Problems with brake systems was the No. 1 problem for out-of-service trucks.
Also, nearly 20 percent of the trucks checked during the random inspections had issues with tires and wheels, and just over 17 percent had problems with brake adjustment. Improper cargo securement and lighting and steering issues were among the other truck-related issues observed. For drivers, hours-of-service violations were the top issue that kept them from getting back on the road. This was followed by using the wrong class license and issues with record of duty status. Some drivers were also caught driving with licenses that were suspended or expired.
If a truck accident involves possible negligence on the part of a driver, a lawyer can help an injured victim obtain appropriate compensation for health-related costs and other financial losses or expenses. During a case investigation, the attorney may look at vehicle inspection and driver performance records to identify responsible or negligent parties.
