Big rig drivers are faced with a growing problem and their problem is causing fatal crashes. As a result of more big trucks on the road and new federal regulations limiting driving time for their drivers rest areas are becoming over crowded. More and more of these rest areas are exceeding their capacity and some of these drivers end up parked on the wide shoulder of exit ramps.
This exact scenario played out for a driver in Ohio who stopped for the night for his mandated rest period. The rest area he pulled into was full and even the exit lane was full so he pulled off to the side and went to sleep. At about 2am he was awakened by a jolt that sent him airborne into the dash of his truck. A greyhound bus collided with his trailer in a crash that killed 22 passengers and left 14 others, including the driver injured. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the accident and looking at factors like bus driver fatigue and the position of the truck at the time of the collision. They are specifically looking at the safety risks posed by trucks parking on ramps.
It’s estimated that 13 million trucks operate on U. S. roadways and there aren’t nearly enough parking spaces at rest stops. This lack of space forces them to park elsewhere. Meanwhile, federal regulations require electronic monitoring that tracks driver hours behind the wheel and violations and can result in fines reaching thousands of dollars. Some trucking groups say the electronic monitoring has created a situation that compromises safety.
An area of growing concern is the ramp on northbound 5 going toward Sacramento International Airport. Most any hour of the day you will see trucks that have parked on the side of the highway in an effort to comply with federal mandated rest periods. This is also the case around rest areas on the north and south portions of highways 99 and interstate 5. As you operate any vehicle always be aware of potential roadway hazards, keep all distractions to a minimum and if you need us we’re available at any hour.
We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when insurance companies fail to offer full compensation. We help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com We would be honored to represent you!
