“On the Road: How to Identify a Safe Semi-Truck Driver – Top 5 Characteristics”

Dallas, Tx, 08/30/2015 /SubmitPressRelease123/

Much has been mentioned in recent media about issues concerning the trucking industry and the safety concerns of transportation advocates nationwide. One of the most heavily discussed topics has been the recent finding by the National Transportation Safety Board that the controversial truck crash that left actor and comedian Tracy Morgan and others with serious injuries and killed one person was caused by truck driver fatigue. According to media reports, the NTSB found that the driver had not slept for 28 hours prior to the accident.

Source: Billboard Report “Tracy Morgan Crash Blamed on Driver Fatigue”

“A Wal-Mart truck driver who hadn’t slept in 28 hours failed to slow down despite posted warning signs and was responsible for a highway crash last year that severely injured comedian Tracy Morgan and killed another comedian, the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday.”

To read more visit http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6663044/tracy-morgan-crash-blamed-on-driver-fatigue.

Other major issues that have garnered widespread attention include the approval of a measure by the House Appropriations Committee that would increase the number of hours truck drivers would be allowed to work per week.

Source: 1800 Truck Wreck Blog “Could Congressional Move Lead to More Fatigued Truck Drivers”

“The Fiscal Year 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Bill, which is now being considered by the full U.S. House of Representatives, contains a provision that would among other things permit truck drivers to work longer hours, and prevent long-standing trucking industry insurance minimums from being raised.”

To read more visit http://www.1800truckwreck.com/could-congressional-move-lead-to-more-fatigued-truck-drivers_13389.html.

According to Texas based truck accident lawyer Amy Witherite of the Eberstein Witherite law firm, “these are highly controversial topics that have caused many to view all truck drivers in a negative light, despite the efforts of some to strictly follow safety regulations on the road.” The trucking industry is by nature deemed a high-risk profession due to the mass number of injuries and fatalities that are linked to these accidents every year. However, as with any profession, related risks can be significantly reduced with the implementation of the right safety protocol. Government regulations have been put into place that many truck drivers do abide by. Witherite has outlined the following five characteristics of a safe semi-truck driver that are deemed important to take note of:

• Puts safety first – a number of truck drivers practice safe habits like maintaining a safe driving speed at all times, wearing safety belts, and performing pre and post trip checks on their vehicles.

• Pays attention to driving conditions – Not all truck drivers are in such a hurry that they fail to pay attention to conditions that can impact the safety of their commute such as inclement weather, construction, or planning to make sure they get adequate rest prior to and during their trip.

• Drives hours within legal limits – Again, it is important to note that many truck drivers stay within the legal speed limits and not all are motivated to speed to meet tight deadlines.

• Pulls over to rest when drowsy or fatigued – Good truck drivers take breaks to help them stay alert for their own protection as well as that of others on the road.

• Maintains enough space between vehicles – Witherite says that maintaining a safe following distance is a high priority for operators of big rigs who choose to put safety first. “They are aware of their size and scale compared to passenger vehicles and don’t use it to bully their way through traffic and put others in harm’s way,” the Texas attorney notes.

Witherite further suggests that it is also important that individuals who are injured in truck crashes as a result of negligence understand what their legal options are. Says the Texas personal injury lawyer “although it is important to recognize that not all truck drivers disobey the law, it is important for people who have been victimized by negligent truck drivers to take steps to hold them accountable for their actions.”

Media Contact:

Lucy Tiseo

Eberstein Witherite LLP

Phone: 866-774-5410

http://www.1800truckwreck.com/

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