The Duty of Truck Drivers—Higher Expectations
Being a truck driver requires a special license to learn how to drive an extremely large and complicated vehicle. Consider that a truck is nearly 80 feet long, weighs 40 tons, and the time to stop a tractor-trailer takes 40 percent longer than the average car. The responsibilities of a truck driver to maintain safety on the road are greater. When a truck driver fails to exercise those responsibilities, you may need a tractor-trailer accident attorney in Tennessee.
It is the desire of our law firm, Craft & Sheppard, PLC, to educate you. Making you more aware of a truck driver's responsibility gives you knowledge in the event you are ever in a tractor-trailer accident in Tennessee.
Basic guidelines to avoid Tennessee tractor-trailer accidents
Limited driving time in Tennessee
Truck drivers are subject to falling a sleep just like others. To meet deadlines, drivers may travel longer than legally allowed. Tractor trailer drivers are limited to ten hours a day of straight driving time and no more than 14 hours a day on the clock. Truck drivers are required to keep a driving log that includes hours worked, hours driven, and the number of stops made. Truckers should also pull off the road every few hours to get fresh air to avoid a potential Tennessee tractor-trailer accident.
Being alert
Because trucks are longer and heavier, they require more careful maneuvering. Truck drivers must be extremely alert, looking ahead for cars on the side of the road. Due to some of the highly congested roads in Tennessee, they must also watch the reactions of cars and other trucks around them in order to avoid tractor-trailer accidents in Tennessee.
Obeying the speed limit
A late delivery or a desire to get to the next stop does not give a driver the right to speed. Truck drivers must obey posted speed limits for the safety of themselves, their load, and others. Consider a tractor-trailer that has a top heavy load making a sharp turn. If the driver does not slow down to the appropriate speed or slower, the truck could roll over. It is also important for trucks to obey speed limits in order to allow time to slow down when needed in case of changes in traffic patterns.
Planning ahead
Truck drivers need to make a plan before going on the road in Tennessee. Otherwise, there is a higher likelihood of Tennessee tractor-trailer accidents. It is the duty of the driver to make a plan to account for truck routes, low bridges, and weight limits on roads and bridges. A plan also helps the truck driver prepare for high traffic areas and areas under construction.
On the road safety
Safety starts with a truck driver going through a checklist to make sure his rig is safe. When a trailer is loaded, it has to have an even weight distribution on the bed and axle weights to prevent rollovers. The driver must also secure loads with proper load bars. If this is not done, a truck may lose its load on a highway causing a tractor-trailer accident in Tennessee. Other safety precautions include—
- Pulling off on the side of the road frequently for fresh air
- Pulling over every few hours to check tires, turn signals, broken straps and bars, and cargo for leaks
- Knowing where to pull off safety if a truck does break down
- Knowing where to put triangles to alert other truck drivers and cars
The duty of a truck driver contributes greatly to safety on the highways and other roads in Tennessee. When truck drivers fail to meet this expectation, they put themselves and other vehicles at risk for tractor-trailer accidents in Tennessee. When this happens you need a tractor-trailer accident lawyer in Tennessee that you can trust. Contact the law firm of Craft & Sheppard, PLC. We can help you navigate through insurance issues and answer questions about tractor-trailer accident lawsuits and insurance coverage in Tennessee.
