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The NTSB will tackle commercial trucking safety in 2015. Why? For one reason, trucking accident fatalities actually increased in 2013, despite the fact that motor vehicle fatalities decreased by 3% during the same time. On their agenda includes active safety systems, underride guard improvements, and reducing distracted driving.
Who is the NTSB? The NTSB is a federal agency that is charged by Congress with investigating significant accidents on our roads, in our harbors, and in our skies. They investigate catastrophic railroad accidents, aviation accidents, trucking accidents, and even marine and pipeline accidents. While they cannot mandate policy, they can make vital safety recommendations to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
According to NTSB acting Chairman Christopher A. Hart, “The NTSB has a long history of calling on the regulators to improve their oversight of operators, drivers, and vehicles.” Regulators are currently in the process of mandating that electronic logging devices are used to ensure that truckers are not allowed to drive past the recommended number of hours. Sleep and rest are vital to reducing the number of fatal trucking accidents. In addition, regulators would like to include requirements to screen truck drivers for obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
In addition to truck driver fatigue, the NTSB would like to see regulators do more to promote proper fleet maintenance and utilize life-saving technology. Vehicle inspections should be required during compliance reviews and collisions warning systems and other safety systems should be mandated across the entire industry.
Trying to Combat Truck Driver Distraction
Since 2003, the NTSB has investigated over 11 trucking accidents that were caused by the use of portable electronic devices. These accidents resulted in more than 259 injuries and over 50 people killed. Even though texting and driving is illegal, the NTSB would like to see cellphone use banned, including hands-free devices. Any distraction can be fatal, especially when you are operating a large commercial vehicle.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Trucking Accident Lawyers
When a commercial truck driver or commercial trucking company’s negligence has led to your injuries, you need an experienced Colorado Springs trucking accident lawyer on your side. From the very start, our lawyers will investigate the accident closely and gather all necessary evidence to build a solid case that is designed to achieve maximum compensation. Contact the experienced Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys at the Green Law Firm today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and discuss your case. Call us today at 1-719-694-8515.