Expert Advocacy

Department of Transportation Shuts Down Truck Operator for Unsafe Driving

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), regularly shuts down trucking companies due to repeated or serious safety violations. The agency recently ordered an individual California truck driver off the road, however – an extra step that the agency rarely takes except in serious cases.

According to the out of service order filed by the FMCSA, the driver had violated both state law and federal regulations regarding drug or alcohol use and driving several times over the past year. The agency says that the driver has been cited more than once for driving a commercial vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired or drunk driving is dangerous in any vehicle, but when the driver is operating a large truck or bus, the results can be devastating.

The driver has also been cited for other safety violations, including areas such as the FMCSA’s Hours-of-Service rules and logbook requirements. The hours of service and logbook rules are intended to prevent accidents caused by fatigued driving. They limit the number of hours each day and each week a driver may be on duty, and require drivers to get rest during their off time.

Distracted, drowsy, or impaired truck drivers greatly increase the risk of harming others on the road. If you’ve been injured in a California truck accident, the experienced San Diego truck accident victim lawyers can help. Contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation.