What are the Most Common 18-Wheeler Regulation Violations that Lead to Accidents in Ohio?

March 28, 2024 | Truck Accident

At Oliver Law Office, our Columbus truck accident attorneys understand that over 72% of all consumer goods are transported by 18-wheelers nationwide. Companies like Amazon and other retailers have added to the country’s dependence on semi-trucks, requiring extensive transportation networks to deliver products to customers, increasing heavy commercial vehicle traffic on our Ohio interstates, city streets, and rural roads.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a U.S. Department of Transportation agency, is dedicated to reducing the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by large trucks. They achieve this by developing and enforcing data-driven regulations prioritizing motor carrier safety. Adhering to these regulations is not just a legal requirement but a crucial step toward ensuring the safety of all road users.

People will get hurt when truck drivers, trucking companies, or other third parties violate FMCSA regulations.

Which FMSCA Regulations are Violated Most By Truck Drivers, Trucking Companies, and Other Third-Party Transport Services?

FMCSA Regulations cover everything from commercial driver’s license standards and insurance policy requirements to Hours of Service and inspection, repair, and maintenance requirements.

Even with clear regulations in place, many violations still result, causing crashes, severe injuries, and fatalities throughout Ohio.

Some of the most common violations recorded by the FMCSA involving truck drivers include:

• Aggressive/Reckless Driving
• Distracted Driving.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Equipment Violations.
• Failure to Signal/Unsafe Lane Changes.
• Failure to Yield the Right of Way.
• Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations.
• Improper Loading/Overloading.
• Speeding.
• Weather-Related Violations/Traveling Too Fast for the Conditions.

Some of the most common violations recorded by the FMCSA involving trucking companies include:

• Handling, Labeling, and Transportation of Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Violations.
• Inadequate Supervision.
• Inadequate Training.
• Negligent Hiring Practices/Driver Qualification Violations.
• Recordkeeping Violations.
• Vehicle Maintenance Violations.

Some of the most common violations recorded by the FMCSA involving third-party transportation services include:

• Defective Truck Design, Manufacturing, or Parts.
• Failure to Maintain Records.
• Failure to Verify Carrier Credentials.
• Negligent Maintenance or Inspection.
• Operating Without Proper Authority.
• Overloading/Unbalanced Cargo.

Unfortunately, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), FMCSA violations often cause fatal crashes. Last year, 72% of people killed in large-truck traffic crashes were occupants of other vehicles – not the truck’s driver.

Contact at Oliver Law Office Today

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a semi-truck crash in Ohio, please call us at (614)-220-9100 or fill out a Contact Us form so we can contact you as soon as possible and get started on your claim.

Oliver Law Office is a client-focused law firm emphasizing personalized attention to each client’s needs. We handle every case with confidence, courage, and determination.