Lubbock, TX – Trucking regulations at both the state and federal level are crucial to keeping highways and other roads safe. Areas such as driver behavior and qualifications, vehicle sizes and dimensions, and cargo or materials requirements are all highly regulated to ensure that companies that transport goods do not become a hazard on the roads. Despite these precautions, some truck drivers still do cause accidents, and they can either be fined by the government for safety violations, sued by victims who were harmed, or both. 

Reasons for safety guidelines

The state of Texas publishes safety guidelines through the Highway Patrol’s division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. The purposes of these regulations are to prevent injuries and death, reduce the possibility of accidents involving trucks and commercial vehicles, as well as minimize the losses that are associated with cargo destruction and the release of hazardous materials. 

Standards for testing for alcohol or controlled substance use

Drunk driving is a serious problem, and if a truck driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the potential for large amounts of damage is great. The state of Texas applies rules for drug and alcohol testing to all drivers who possess a commercial driver’s license. Interstate drivers who travel through Texas are subject to these rules as well. Employers are required to perform testing for drugs and alcohol both before employing a driver, as well as after accidents. The Department of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement also has guidelines for random testing of drivers that are meant to detect the possibility that any person employed by a business is a habitual user of controlled substances or alcohol. 

Medical certifications

Drivers who hold a CDL must meet certain medical standards for vision and other health matters. This is done in part to ensure that sudden medical problems will not affect the driver while working and result in accidents. Basic health standards are also meant to test whether the driver can operate their vehicle properly and without significant risk to public safety. 

Exemptions for disabled drivers

Certain disabled drivers can receive a waiver to operate commercial vehicles within the state of Texas only. 

Business level guidelines

Each business that operates as a motor carrier in the state needs to have standards and procedures in place to maximize driver safety. These must also be sufficient to meet the safety demands of each individual company based on its number of employees and vehicles in operation.  

Finding help from a local attorney in Lubbock

USAttorneys.com is a web directory that contains listings of lawyers in Lubbock, Texas and every other state organized by practice area. After a truck accident, anyone who has experienced losses can browse the directory to find the right legal professional who matches their needs.