When trucks drive on Louisiana roads, they must follow important rules to ensure safety for everyone. These rules, known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), are there to make sure that the things trucks carry is secured properly. But what happens if these rules aren’t followed? Let’s find out.
Unsecured Load Dangers
A truck with an unsecured load can be very dangerous. Usually, trucks travel on highways and other roads with high-speed limits. Trucks with unsecured loads can cause roadway dangers. For example, a truck stopped on the highway because its load is loose and needs to be secured creates a crash danger. Other drivers may not see or expect a truck stopped on the shoulder or worse, parked in the roadway. Additionally, loads falling off trucks create dangerous road conditions. Drivers may be unable to avoid lumber, machinery, junk, or sugar cane debris that falls off a truck into the roadway. These hazards cause crashes and injury to many people in Louisiana every year. Truckers breaking the rules is the cause of these injuries.
Federal Rules Require Secure Truck Loads
Federal trucking regulations exist to prevent truck accidents caused by unsecure truck loads. According to the FMCSR, truck drivers must do three important things before they start driving:
- Put Things in the Right Place and Tie Them Down: Truck drivers need to make sure that everything they’re carrying is in the right place inside the truck. They also have to tie things down tightly, so they don’t move around and make the truck wobble.
- Make Sure Equipment is Secure: The rules say that all the parts of the truck, like the doors, tires, and special covers, need to be tightly secured. This keeps them from falling off while the truck is moving.
- Keep a Clear View and Stay Ready for Emergencies: Truck drivers need to see clearly out of their windows. They can’t have anything blocking their view. They also need to be able to move around easily and have access to emergency tools. And if there’s an emergency, everyone needs to be able to get out of the truck quickly and safely.
Legal Responsibility if Someone Gets Hurt
Following these rules helps keep everyone safe on the road. But what happens if truck drivers don’t follow them? Well, not following these rules can lead to serious consequences. If a truck driver doesn’t secure their cargo properly and it falls off the truck, it could cause other vehicles to crash. If someone gets hurt or something gets damaged because of this, a court may hold the truck driver, and their employer legally responsible to pay for any injuries they cause. Therefore, it’s really important for truck drivers and their companies to make sure everything is secure before they start driving. It’s not just about following the rules; it’s about keeping everyone safe.
