Item: Flaxman Law Group
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Author: Clara Barman

Preventing Florida Truck Accidents Can Be Good For Companies’ Bottom Lines

Published on: January 19, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), preventing trucking accidents is not just good common sense – it’s good business sense. According to the FMSCA, following best practices and improving safety rules helps truck companies and carriers reduce the costs of accidents and helps keep insurance costs down. Poor safety, according to the FMSCA, means poor branding, difficulty finding great drivers, discord in the community, and other costs that can hurt the profit margin.

According to the FMSCA, the average cost of a fatal truck accident involving a large commercial truck is $3.6 million. Commercial truck accidents involving personal injuries average $200 000 each. All truck accidents have an average cost of $91 000 per collision. When everyone works together to prevent truck accidents, everyone wins. According to the FMSCA, there are many things carriers can do to prevent collisions:

1) Ensure that drivers do not speed. The FMSCA reports that up to 22% of commercial truck crashes involving multiple vehicles were related to speeding. In fact, many Florida car accidents and truck accidents are caused by speeding. Quite simply, when truck drivers speed, they often cannot stop in time to prevent an accident. Carriers can help by enforcing penalties for drivers that speed.

2) Enforce a zero-tolerance no-drugs and no-alcohol policy. Just like Florida drunk driving accidents are a terrible tragedy and 100% preventable, DUI truck accidents are a serious concern. According to the FMSCA, about 0.2% of commercial truck drivers used alcohol and 2% used controlled substances while on the job in 2003.

3) Enforce rules that require truck drivers to get adequate rest. According to the FMSCA, up to 5.5% of truck accidents that result in a fatality are caused by fatigued drivers. Carriers can help by ensuring that drivers can get adequate rest and still meet prescribed deadlines.

4) Find and keep good drivers. Studies have linked high driver turnover to a higher instance of truck accidents, according to the FMSCA. Companies who hire qualified drivers and work to retain those drivers have to spend less on training, recruiting, and hiring and can enjoy knowing that their workforce is stable. Good pay, good benefits, and a good working environment can all help attract and retain great drivers.

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Initiatives to Help Prevent Florida Truck Accidents

Published on: January 17, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

There are many state and federal initiatives in place to help prevent Florida pedestrian accidents https://www.flaxmanlaw.com/lawyer-attorney-1457742.html, truck accidents, and other traffic accidents. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a number of initiatives in place:

1) The Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT) program is available to states interested in preventing car and traffic accidents. This initiative is designed to help states develop high-visibility enforcement programs for traffic laws. The program helps states to target unsafe behaviors and devise programs to target and ticket these offenses in order to encourage drivers to drive more safely. Florida is not currently a participant in this program.

2) The pre-employment screening program (PSP). The PSP helps motor carriers to easily and quickly check driver records online before hiring new truck drivers. A joint initiative between the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation, the PSP allows carriers to learn about safety violations of drivers for a nominal fee, allowing carriers to more easily hire safer drivers.

3) Informational Resources. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides a number of resources for truck companies, truck drivers, and passenger vehicle drivers through its website to raise awareness of safety issues. Safety tips and resources such as the Motor Carrier’s Guide to Improving Highway Safety are available at no cost online.

4) Registration. All motor carriers and trucking service providers offering interstate services must by law register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and must in many cases secure operating authority from the organization before offering interstate services. Motor carriers and companies who have registered receive a USDOT number. The registration process ensures that motor carriers are correctly documented and have passed through basic safety guidelines.

5) Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) designation. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all truck drivers with an impairment which may affect their driving to secure SPE certification in order to ensure that all drivers are safe on the roads.

6) The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Program. This program aims to raise awareness of seatbelt safety and to encourage all motor vehicle drivers to wear a seat belt when getting behind the wheel.

7) The Drug and Alcohol Program. This program is designed to enforce the strict policies against DUI which are in place for commercial truck drivers.

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Prevent Florida Truck Accidents in Work Zones

Published on: January 14, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck and car accidents are very common on work zones, especially on highways, because these areas often combine road closures with work vehicles and trucks, creating a confusing situation that can easily cause an accident. Luckily, there are many things that drivers can do to help prevent a Florida car accident in a work zone. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers need to:

1) Slow down and stay alert. If possible, avoid work zones entirely. Reducing the amount of traffic congestion present in work zones helps prevent Florida workplace accidents and can help reduce traffic accidents as well. If you must pass through a work zone, stay alert for any signs. Slow down and obey any signals or traffic controllers as you slowly drive through the construction area along the route designated by the work crew.

2) Stay alert for dangers which may not be indicated. Not everything has signs. Work zones may produce debris and sharp objects on the road, which can cause a flat tire. Where possible, steer around the obstacle and alert someone at the site of the danger.

3) Look at trucks. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, trucks can be a great red flag of slow-downs and construction up ahead. Since trucks can see further due to the driver’s vantage point and since trucks need to brake well in advance, trucks will generally start to brake before anyone else. It is a good idea to keep an eye on trucks’ brake lights to stay alert of upcoming problems.

4) Give others the chance to merge. While it can be frustrating to slow down and wait in work zones, it is very dangerous to drive aggressively in these situations. Allow others to merge in front of you, especially trucks. It is much better to let a truck go ahead than to risk being crushed by a truck that cannot see you because you are in the driver’s blind spot.

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Weighs in on Ways to Prevent Truck Accidents

Published on: January 12, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are many bad habits car drivers can adopt that can easily lead to Florida car accidents and truck accidents. Although truck drivers can also cause Florida truck accidents, in many cases mistakes by drivers of passenger vehicles cause serious accidents on the highways and roads. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are many things drivers of passenger vehicles can do to avoid an accident:

1) Wear a seatbelt. While a seatbelt will not prevent an accident, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration points out that if you are in an accident, a seatbelt is the best protect you have. A seatbelt will protect you by preventing you from being ejected from the car or hitting the steering wheel or windshield. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in about 78% of truck accidents involving a car, there is a fatality involving a passenger or driver of the passenger vehicle involved. Wearing a seatbelt can reduce your risk.

2) Do not cut in front of trucks. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, this is the most common – and the most deadly – mistake passenger vehicle drivers make when sharing the road with trucks. The problem with cutting trucks off is that large vehicles such as trucks take much longer to stop than other vehicles. This means that if the truck driver must slam on the brakes, it is likely that a truck accident will happen. Always make sure that you can see the truck in the mirror before you attempt to enter the lane in front of a truck. Use your signal to ensure that the truck driver can see you are about to move into his or her lane.

3) Don’t coast in the blind spots. Truck drivers cannot clearly see vehicles driving directly in front, behind, or beside the truck. Unless you can see the truck’s mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you. Avoid staying in the blind spots – a truck could turn into you or back up into you.

4) Drive calmly and attentively. Aggressive and distracted drivers are dangerous to everyone on the road. Since truck drivers take longer to stop their vehicles, someone who is running red lights, making aggressive lane changes, or not paying attention can easily cause a Florida truck accident.

5) Do not get caught in a “squeeze.” A squeeze refers to a situation in which a passenger car gets stuck between the curb and a truck when a truck makes a wide right turn. In many cases, trucks need to swing wide to the left, especially on city streets, and may not see cars beside them or behind them. If you get stuck in a squeeze, you could be forced to drive up on the curb, causing a Florida pedestrian accident. In a worst-case scenario, you could be left with nowhere to go and could be crushed by the truck. Always give trucks extra room to turn.

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Preventing RV Accidents and Florida Truck Accidents

Published on: January 10, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

RV enthusiasts may have more in common with truck drivers than they realize. Although many people consider RVs (recreational vehicles) to be simply large vehicles, they in fact handle in many ways like a truck. Like a truck, RVs take longer to brake, are heavier, and have more blind spots than traditional vehicles. Sharing the road with trucks in an RV is even riskier and can lead to Florida truck accidents.

If you are considering renting or buying an RV this summer, consider these tips from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to stay safe on the roads:

1) Be ready to stop at all times. Like trucks, RVs take longer to stop due to their size and weight. Leave yourself lots of extra room in front of you when driving in an RV to prevent Florida truck accidents. If you are driving behind a truck, keep in mind that the truck also takes longer to stop, so leave plenty of space. If you are in a passenger car behind an RV, treat the vehicle as you would any large truck and give yourself extra room.

2) Be aware of the blind spots. Keep in mind that RVs have lots of blind spots. Familiarize yourself with them and use signals as well as mirrors to compensate. When driving on the road with trucks, keep in mind that they will not see your RV – even if it is a larger vehicle – if you are in the truck’s blind spot. Make sure you can see a truck’s mirrors – if you can’t, the driver probably cannot see you.

3) Consider the weight of your RV. You will of course want to fill your RV with all the essentials for your family’s vacation. However, keep in mind that too much weight or poorly distributed weight can cause rollovers and braking troubles. Do not exceed the maximum weight capacity for the RV and if you have heavier items, secure them low to the ground and distribute them evenly on both sides of the vehicle.

4) Use seatbelts. Although an RV may feel like home, it is not. Every time the RV is moving, ensure that all passengers are correctly using seat belts of age-appropriate safety systems.

5) Check your tires before each trip. Just like commercial trucks, RVs tend to put extra pressure on their tires do to weight. Buy the best tires you can afford and check them before each trip for correct tire pressure. Avoid speeding and overloading your RV, too – this can put dangerous pressure on tires and cause a blowout.

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Preventing Weather-Related Florida Truck Accidents

Published on: January 7, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Wet Florida weather in the winter months can be a contributing factor to truck accidents. At this time of year, many Florida truck accidents and car accidents are caused by weather. The most common causes of weather-related truck accidents are:

1) Excessive speed. Driving too quickly at any time of year can be a danger. However, when the weather is bad, driving too quickly can more easily cause an accident. The roads are slippery in heavy rains, making it hard to brake in time. When the weather is very bad, it may be necessary to even drive below the posted speed limit.

2) Poor visibility. Poor weather often creates darkness early. Heavy rain can also make it hard to see and can even create a glare in headlights. For these reasons, it is important for truck drivers to slow down and to use extra caution when driving in bad weather. Cars, as well, need to slow down when visibility is poor, especially when driving near trucks. Trucks can spray weather and rain towards smaller vehicles, temporarily blinding drivers. To avoid a Florida car accident, stay well clear of trucks and avoid driving behind them in the rain.

3) Drowsiness. Dark, rainy days make most people feel extra sleepy and drowsy, which can easily lead to traffic accidents. When the days get shorter, some people are also affected by seasonal disorders, which can cause excessive fatigue as well as other symptoms. If you feel more tired that usual at this time of year, visit a physician for an assessment. Do not continue to drive while fatigued. Drivers falling asleep at the wheel causing many Florida truck accidents and traffic accidents each year.

4) Slippery roads. Rains obviously cause the roads to become slick, but the problem is often not rain itself. Rather, when rain mixes with oil and other spilled substances on the roads, it can cause slick areas. For this reason, it is important to slow down in the rain. Even if you feel that the roads are not slippery, a spot up ahead may be very slick.

5) Road damage caused by poor weather. Bad weather and winds can rip up road signs, damage the roads, and cause traffic lights to malfunction. This can easily lead to delays, traffic jams, and accidents. Slow down and remember to treat all downed traffic light intersections as four-way stops.

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Could New Software Help Prevent Florida Truck Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving?

Published on: January 5, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

While Florida has not banned texting and driving yet, the awareness about distracted driving is growing. Both anecdotal evidence and numerous research studies have shown it: texting or talking on the phone while driving can easily lead to Florida pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, and other traffic accidents. Using a mobile device while driving removes the driver’s eyes from the roads for dangerous periods of time, paving the way for an accident. While legislators continue to try to pass Florida laws that would ban texting while driving, some companies are coming up with innovative ways to halt distracted driving.

Florida company PhoneGuard has created new software which may help prevent Florida car accidents and truck accidents caused by distracted driving. The software, Drive Safe, makes it impossible for drivers to use PDAs, cell phones, and smartphones to text while driving. The software disables texting, keyboard functions, and emailing on mobile devices in any vehicles traveling over 16 kilometers per hour.

According to PhoneGuard, the software is especially useful for employers and parents who want to ban texting while driving for a specific person. For example, trucking companies can use the software to ensure that no drivers text and drive while on the job. As PhoneGuard notes, the software takes away the job of enforcing texting bans. Indeed, enforcement has been a key problem with text bans. While many workplaces and states already ban texting and driving, most admit that it is difficult to stop or notice such behaviors unless they lead to an accident.

The Drive Safe Software uses GPS to track the coordinates and the speed of a vehicle. When a driver starts traveling over 16KPH, the software automatically turns off texting options on phones. If the driver speeds, the software can even alert employees via text message. This feature may be especially handy for the trucking industry, which has had a problem with excessive driver speeds causing Florida trucking accidents. Another feature of the software is a “time out” feature which would allow employers to prevent employees from texting during specific times – such as work hours, for example. The software is tamper-proof, according to the company.

According to the US Department of Transportation and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 5000 car accidents in 2009 were linked to distracted driving caused by mobile device use. For this reason, texting as a distraction while driving has caused a great deal of concern. Even experienced truck drivers are far more likely to cause a Florida truck accident while texting and driving, simply because their eyes are not on the road.

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Companies Work to Prevent Florida Truck Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving

Published on: January 3, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many states have now passed laws which ban texting and cell phone use while driving. Despite repeated efforts by legislators, Florida remains one of the few states that does not ban these dangerous driving behaviors, even though distracted driving has been linked to high instances of traffic accidents. However, public pressure has made texting or phoning while driving less socially acceptable. As well, a number of companies are stepping up to ban texting and driving among employees.

The Walt Disney Company, for example, banned its employees from texting and driving last November. Whenever an employee is on the clock, driving a Disney truck, or driving their own vehicle, that employee cannot text and drive. Employees caught violating the ban are subject to fines and may even be fired for non-compliance. Other Florida companies are expected to follow suit with similar bans.

In 2010, the trucking industry also placed a federal ban on texting and driving for all bus drivers and commercial truck drivers. Any truck driver or bus driver caught texting and driving anywhere in Florida or across the country may face criminal penalties and civil penalties. They are also liable to lose their jobs. Many trucking companies have also created strict rules against distracted driving for their truck drivers, above and beyond federal regulations.

According to the Strength in Numbers Fleet Benchmarking Study, trucking companies with strict distracted driving bans and severe penalties for non-compliance had lower rates of trucking accidents. Of the top eight trucking companies out of a total of 45 in the survey, six allowed a driver to be fired if caught texting and driving. The bottom 14 companies – the companies with the laxest rules and the highest accident rates – did not have such policies in place.

It is just common sense that companies are placing bans on distracted driving in Florida, even though there is no official ban in place in the state. Companies may be held liable in cases where a distracted driver causes a Florida pedestrian accident or traffic accident while driving and texting on company time. When a company institutes an internal ban, it is showing a commitment to preventing accidents. In the event of an accident, liability may rest more heavily with the truck driver if he or she violated a company ban.

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Could Trailers on Tractors Be Causing Many Florida Truck Accidents?

Published on: December 29, 2010 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to advocacy groups such as DangerousTrailers.org, a major cause of truck accidents is trailer defects. These organizations claim that trailers pose problems for many reasons:

1) There is too little education in teaching drivers how to hook up and load trailers properly. When trailers are incorrectly loaded and attached, they are more likely to cause Florida car accidents and truck accidents, because the trailer can easily become detached, move into other lanes of traffic, or even slide forward and back, causing the driver to lose control.

2) The manufacturers of trailers have voluntary standards rather than set standards. Groups such as DangerousTrailers.org want to see firm legislation that would set federal or at least state standards for trailer design and manufacture, ensuring that all trailers on the roads are safe. They feel that such laws could prevent Florida truck accidents and traffic accidents across the country.

3) Large organizations put unsafe trailers out on the road and don’t want to change. According to groups like DangerousTrailers.org, companies that rent trailers sometimes have poor safety records but don’t want to put in the money required to fix their fleets. They therefore resist any further legislation that would make them accountable for the truck accidents their fleets cause.

4) Trailers can be homemade. In many states, it is legal to make your own trailer (according to voluntary standards) and then register it at the DMV. In fact, according to DangerousTrailers.org and other advocacy groups, these laws have created a brisk trade in stolen trailers. Thieves steal trailers, remove the VIN numbers and sell or register the trailers as “homemade.” Obviously, with any homemade vehicle, issues of safety and safety standards are a concern.

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Prevent Florida Truck Accidents by Giving Tractor-Trailers Plenty of Room

Published on: December 22, 2010 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many Florida car accidents involving trucks occur simply because a motorist failed to provide enough room for a truck. Trucks need more room to maneuver because they turn wide and because they take longer to stop. While many drivers know that they need to give trucks more room, however, they do not always realize exactly how to provide a safe amount of room.

For example, many people assume that being behind a tractor-trailer is risky and therefore try to pass the truck. In fact, this is not always the case. As long as a driver leaves plenty of room behind the truck, experts say, being behind the truck may actually be safer. If a car is traveling in front of a truck and needs to stop suddenly, the truck behind the car may simply not have enough time to stop, causing a read-end collision.

The very process of passing a truck to get in front of it can be more dangerous than simply dropping back and following behind a tractor-trailer. In fact, many Florida truck accidents occur when a car attempts to pass a truck. In order to pass a truck, you must often speed up considerably in order to pass, and this alone may be dangerous. As well, you must pass the truck’s blind spots in order to pass, which means that for some time while you are passing, the truck driver will not be able to see you.

Finally, many experts believe that in Florida truck accidents caused by passing, a driver often passes a truck incorrectly. The most common mistake, according to experts, is pulling out too quickly in front of a truck after passing. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that a tractor-trailer traveling at 55 miles per hour has an average stopping distance of 196 feet, compared to 133 feet for a standard car. When a car pulls out in front of a truck too quickly, the truck may not be able to stop in time to prevent an accident.

Of course, there are times when you will need to pass a truck. If a truck is traveling slower than you are or if a truck is driving in bad weather and flinging precipitation onto your windshield, you will want to pass. To prevent a Florida truck accident, pass when it is safe to do so and when the truck is traveling at a slow enough pace so that you can pass without speeding considerably. Pass quickly, without staying in the truck’s blind spots. When you pass the truck, wait for some distance before pulling in front of the truck. Give yourself considerably more space than you would with a car.

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