Running a business in the trucking industry requires utmost caution. With drivers moving around with heavy cargo while sharing the road with smaller vehicles, a trucking company should ensure every decision they make guarantees the safety of their driver and other road users.
But this is not always the case. Some trucking companies are negligent in different ways, including:
Poor hiring practices
The trucking industry has been experiencing a driver shortage for years, and this continues due to different factors, including:
- The high demand for drivers with the rise of e-commerce
- Young people not considering careers in the trucking industry because of its work conditions, long hours and low pay
- Drivers leaving the industry for something easier
To cope with the problem, some trucking companies are engaging in poor hiring practices. For example, they may fail to screen drivers thoroughly to fill positions quickly. Thus, someone not qualified, experienced or with an alarming driving history may end up on the road transporting heavy cargo.
Inadequate training
Truck drivers should be adequately trained upon hiring and regularly to improve their driving skills and knowledge regarding safety measures. Some trucking companies skip the initial training and fail to offer ongoing training programs to sharpen their drivers’ skills.
Poor employment systems
A truck driver should work reasonable hours, but some companies ask drivers to work long hours without or with limited rest breaks. If a company violates the hours-of-service regulations, a driver is likely to experience fatigue, which can increase the possibility of an accident.
If you are involved in a trucking accident, the driver’s employer may bear some responsibility for your injuries, as well as the driver. Get legal help to gather adequate information to protect your rights.
