Tractor-Trailer Accidents in KentuckyNavigating the dangers associated with large trucks on Kentucky

roadways.

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Large Trucks on Kentucky RoadwaysBecause of Kentucky’s central location, we have many tractor-trailers passing through our state. We all encounter tractor-trailers, commercial trucks and buses on our roadways every single day. It’s imperative that motorists of all kinds, including truckers, be aware of the dangers we face on Kentucky roads. http://www.billyjohnsonlaw.com/vehicle-accidents/truck-accidents/

The Dangers of Large Trucks Facing All Motorists• 64 percent of all fatal crashes involving large trucks

occurred on rural roads• 84 percent of fatal crashes and 89 percent of non-

fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred on weekdays

• From 2010 to 2013, there was a 6 percent increase in fatal truck crashes

• Chameleon carriers are trucking companies who avoid paying fines for neglecting safety regulations by opening up an old company under a new name

• Unsecured loads create major problems on roadways, leading to falling debris on other vehicles

Truckers Face Dangers, Too

• Parking shortages, forcing truckers to drive long hours to find a safe place to rest - an issue that has gained national attention.

• Equipment failure

• Health problems, stemming from poor diet choices and lack of access to proper healthcare.

• Fatigue and long hours on the road

Hazards for truck drivers put us all at risk. These dangers include:

Hours of Service Rules (from the FMCSA)

All drivers of commercial motor vehicles must comply with HOS rules. These rules stipulate that drivers…

1. May drive a maximum of 10 hours after ten consecutive hours off duty (with passengers) or 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty (without passengers)

2. May not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty (without passengers), following 10 consecutive hours off duty, or may not drive after having been on duty for 15 hours (without passengers), following 8 consecutive hours off duty (with passengers). 3. May drive only if 8 hours or less have passed since end of driver’s last off-duty or sleeper berth period of at least 30 minutes (without passengers). May not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days (with passengers).

• Bucket trucks have an extended crane that enables workers to reach objects like power lines, and they have a high center of gravity, making them a liability to passersby.

• Construction vehicles are found all over our roadways. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 40 percent of fatal work injuries involved vehicle accidents.

• In 2008 -2012, coal mining trucks and similar mining equipment accounted for 11.1 percent of non-fatal injuries to underground miners and 11.9 percent of lost-time injuries for surface miners.

Types of Trucks & Associated Risks

What does it take to be a trucker?• Obtaining a CDL license• The road test includes pre-trip inspection,

basic controls and a road skills test• Tests to upgrade from a B or C class

qualification to a Class A, or vice versa• Potentially multiple restrictions (no-air brake

equipped, no manual transmission equipped) and endorsements (hazardous materials, passengers, double/triple trailers) applied to license

• See more regulations at: http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/pdf/Kentucky_CDL_Manual_2015.pdf

Future of Trucking Safety • The NHTSA is recommending that

collision avoidance systems be included on all passenger and commercial vehicles.

• The NHTSA estimates that collision avoidance systems could mitigate up to 80 percent of rear-end crashes that have occurred on roadways.

• Many of the biggest truck makers are including automated systems that are making truckers’ jobs easier and our roadways safer.

• Always pass on the left

• Always signal before changing lanes behind and in front of trucks

• Allow plenty of room • Never pass in a no-

passing zone• Be aware of

crosswinds• Don’t slow down after

passing

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Safely Driving Around Tractor-Trailers

• Texting and Distracted Driving

• Driving under the influence

• Weather• Tired drivers

are a factor in up 30 percent of car accidents

Other Road Safety Considerations

Many Truckers Have Legal Power on Their SideIt’s a goal of trucking companies to limit their liability to avoid paying costly court fees. Many companies expect their truckers to call them immediately following an accident so they can deploy a team to assess ways to limit their losses, often times confronting accident victims at vulnerable times to further reduce the trucking company’s liability.

http://www.billyjohnsonlaw.com/vehicle-accidents/truck-accidents/

Injured in a Trucking Accident?

Kentucky truck driver fatigue attorney Billy Johnson has been named a Super Lawyer by U.S. News and

World Report and a top 100 trial lawyer by American Trial Lawyers Association. He’s also a proud member of

the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocate Forums. Get him on your side by calling

1-855-433-7531 or fill out his online consultation form

for a free case assessment.

www.billyjohnsonlaw.com