Commercial motor vehicles (CMV) are some of the most useful and dangerous on the road. They can weigh anywhere from 10,000 to 80,000 pounds, and they are not easily maneuverable. Because of their potential to cause massive amounts of damage, the federal government has been regulating their use for decades. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was formed in 2000 to regulate the trucking industry and reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.
In order to better help people and truck drivers alike, the FMCSA publishes regulations in the Federal Register. These regulations should be followed by truck drivers, truck owners, and shipping companies to ensure they are doing their best to reduce the potential for disaster.
Some subject covered by the regulations include the following:
- Registration fees
- Testing programs
- Employee admission of alcohol and controlled substance use
- On-duty u se
- Controlled substance use and testing
- Retention of records
- Access to facilities and records
- Penalties
- Required evaluation and testing
- Employer obligation to create policy on the misuse of alcohol and controlled substances
- Training for supervisors
- Referral, evaluation, and treatment
- Commercial driver’s licenses
- Notifications of violations and suspensions
- Employer responsibilities
- Disqualification
- Application and certification procedures
- State procedures
- CMV groups
- Endorsements
- Restrictions
- Required skills
- Test manuals
- Test methods
- Safety permits
- Financial responsibility
- Relief from regulations
- Road test
- Multiple-employer drivers
- Speed limit schedules
- Equipment inspection and use
- Cargo inspection
- CMV part function and maintenance
- Maximum driving time
- Onboard recording devices
To ensure compliance, the FMCSA uses the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program to improve safety and prevent CMV-related disasters. The program oversees carrier safety performance through roadside inspections and crash investigations. If someone is found to be working outside of regulations, they are issued violations.
If you or a loved one were harmed by the negligence of a truck driver, you are likely to be able to seek compensation if the driver or the driver’s employer was violating FMCSA regulations. Let our skilled Wichita truck accident attorneys investigate your case and offer recommendations about your best course of legal actions.
Contact us at (316) 688-1166 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation today.