Trucking Listed as Among the Most Dangerous Jobs in America

MARSHALL, Texas. According to ABC News, trucking was reported as being the among the most dangerous job in America according to workplace fatality census data. According to Time Magazine, trucking is the seventh most dangerous job, with logging being the most dangerous reported. Overall, transportation accidents are the leading cause of workplace injury and death. 40% of all workplace fatalities were due to transportation accidents.

Why is it so dangerous to be a truck driver? Trucks carry heavier loads than passenger vehicles. Accidents involving trucks can therefore be far deadlier than accidents involving smaller vehicles. Trucks take longer to stop because of their weight, meaning that drivers have a smaller margin for error. Trucks have a larger blind spot than passenger vehicles and not all drivers exercise caution when driving around this blind spot. Truck drivers also work long hours, meaning that they may be more likely to be fatigued than other drivers on the road. While there are strict hours of service laws in place restricting how long drivers can be on the road, drivers may still be tired when they get behind the wheel.

According to the Huffington Post, the rates of truck-related deaths from accidents is on the rise. Yet, the government is rolling back regulations that would make roads safer. The trucking industry often lobbies the government to relax rules regarding hours of service laws, rest periods, weight limits, and other safety requirements. Each of these laws is essential to keeping roads safer for all, truck drivers included. For example, hours of safety laws work to keep drivers well-rested. Weight limit laws ensure that trucks are not overloaded, meaning that trucks are less likely to tip. Lower-weighted trucks can also stop faster than heavier trucks, adding to safety. Safety requirements such as maintenance requirements, medical requirements for drivers, and drug testing help prevent accidents every year.

Yet, according to the Huffington Post, the truck industry has asked Congress to change the laws so drivers can drive trucks carrying loads weighing more than 80,000 pounds. They have asked to be permitted to drive with longer trailers. Other companies have asked for changes to hours of service laws and yet others want to hire younger drivers who have less experience on the road.

While laws can protect drivers and others on the road, they must be followed in order to be effective. When truck drivers and companies break the law, they put everyone in danger. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident in Marshall, Texas, consider speaking to the Cooper Law Firm today.

The truck accident attorneys at the Cooper Law Firm can review the circumstances of your case, evaluate whether a truck driver broke the law, and fight to help you and your family seek justice. When truck companies are forced to pay for violating the law or for failing to be safe, it sends a strong message to the trucking industry. Unsafe practices will not be tolerated and they will cost you. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, protect your rights today.

Cooper Law Firm
501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601
Telephone: (903) 297-0037