In hopes of decreasing the number of fatal New Mexico truck accidents, lawmakers have recently been considering a number of trucking industry regulations. Indeed, during the previous administration, several regulations were implemented that resulted in a significant amount of push back from the trucking industry. Continuing in this vein, according to a recent news report, close to 3.5 million truck drivers began protesting around highways and truck stops across the nation in an attempt to stop a new safety regulation that is set to be implemented sometime this year. Two of the most hotly contested regulations were related to testing drivers for sleep apnea and requiring drivers to log their hours electronically.
The pending regulation that caused the truck drivers to organize was related to the requirement that commercial trucks electronically log their hours, rather than using the old pen-and-paper system. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) believes that written logs are inaccurate and easily manipulated by drivers to meet requirements.
The truck drivers and trucking companies retorted that these devices are expensive and are designed in a way that ignores the nuances of truck driving and transportation. The executive vice president of one truck driver organization complained that truckers work in the most over-regulated industry in the United States, and the FMCSA does not understand the intricacies of the job.
The electronic log is supposed to monitor things such as making sure that truck drivers do not drive more than 11 hours in a 14-hour period. Many truck drivers argue that this does not take into consideration delays and traffic. And since drivers are paid by the mile rather than time, their compensation will be greatly reduced. Not all trucking companies are campaigning against this regulation; however, those that are not against the regulations are the larger trucking companies that already have implemented electronic logs.
Effects of Truck Driver Fatigue in New Mexico
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has commissioned a series of studies and compiled data concerning the types and frequency of accidents related to truck driver fatigue in the United States and ways to minimize these accidents. Through research, the FMCSA has found that 13% of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered to be “fatigued” when the accident occurred. The FMCSA has published materials that provide tips and tools to drivers to avoid these situations. Some tips include getting the proper amount of sleep before driving, maintaining a healthy diet, taking frequent naps as necessary, and avoiding medications that may cause drowsiness. It is important that New Mexico truck drivers follow these crucial tips.
Have You or Someone You Know Been Involved in a Trucking Accident in New Mexico?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Mexico truck accident, you should immediately contact one of the dedicated attorneys at the Fine Law Firm. New Mexico trucking accidents occur too often, and trucking companies and their insurance companies are proficient at attempting to defend against these cases. However, the fact remains that many New Mexico truck accidents could have been prevented with the exercise of due care. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex system and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact one of the attorneys at the Fine Law Firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Results of Safety Study Conducted by National Transportation Safety Board Confirm the Dangers of Large Trucks, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, December 31, 2017.
Appellate Court Strikes Plaintiff’s Expert Reports, Granting Summary Judgment in Favor of Defendants, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, December 6, 2017.