Semi-trucks move goods across Texas and the United States, keeping shelves stocked. However, their massive size and weight also pose truck accident risks when drivers and companies choose to cut corners in safety. Unfortunately, 2024 revealed some shocking examples. Across the United States, state highway patrols uncovered violations that serve as harsh reminders of the dangers on our roads.
These inspection failures go beyond simple mistakes; they demonstrate the life-or-death stakes when truck drivers and companies ignore their responsibilities. Here’s a look at some of 2024's most shocking trucking violations and the risks they created for everyone on the road.
Here are the most unbelievable trucking violations of 2024
California’s highways saw their fair share of dangerous trucking violations. In December, California Highway Patrol (CHP) stopped a truck that was driving without one of its tires. The rim had been grinding directly against the pavement, and the driver claimed they hadn’t noticed the issue until reaching a CHP facility.
Another trucker blatantly ignored California’s 55 mph speed limit for large trucks and barreled down the highway at dangerous speeds. At this rate of speed, it's more difficult for heavy vehicles to stop in time, which can seriously increase the chances of a collision.
Iowa also saw its share of unbelievable trucking violations throughout 2024. In one incident, the Iowa State Patrol pulled over a truck with flat tires pointing in completely opposite directions. To make matters worse, the trailer’s lights weren’t working, yet the driver seemed unaware of the hazards they posed to everyone else on the road.
The ISP stopped another truck with a snapped trailer frame, causing it to lean heavily to one side. The driver continued operating the vehicle as if nothing was wrong. Additionally, ISP troopers stopped a driver who continued operating a large truck after the trailer was damaged from a low bridge strike and another driver with an unregistered truck and an oversized load.
But this next one takes the cake. In one of the year’s most reckless incidents, an ISP trooper stopped a commercial driver actively drinking hard liquor behind the wheel. The driver’s blood alcohol content was nearly five times the legal limit for commercial drivers.
How are truck drivers and trucking companies required to prevent collisions?
Truck drivers and their employers carry a big responsibility when it comes to keeping our roads safe. Semi-trucks are massive, and when something goes wrong—whether it’s a tired driver, faulty brakes, or poorly secured cargo—the consequences can be devastating. Federal and state regulations exist to reduce these risks, but when drivers or companies cut corners, everyone on the road pays the price. Here’s what it takes to meet safety standards and avoid preventable accidents.
Adhere to Hours of Service (HOS) rules
Tired drivers are dangerous drivers. Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents, which is why federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules exist. These regulations limit how long a driver can stay on the road and require breaks to keep them alert. When trucking companies push unrealistic deadlines, drivers may feel pressured to skip breaks or stretch their limits, putting everyone at risk. Following these rules isn’t just about compliance—it’s about making sure everyone gets home safely.
Specifically, drivers must:
- Take at least 10 consecutive hours off before starting a shift.
- Drive no more than 11 hours within a 14-hour work window.
- Take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
Inspect fleet regularly
Mechanical failures can turn a regular day into a disaster. That’s why pre-trip and post-trip inspections are non-negotiable. Skipping these checks or ignoring a warning sign can lead to catastrophic equipment failures in the middle of traffic. A few extra minutes spent on inspections can save lives.
Truck drivers are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to check the following components:
- Tire pressure and tread wear
- Brakes
- Headlights, turn signals, and reflectors
- Trailer connections
Keep trucks in drivable shape
Trucking companies must make regular truck maintenance a priority to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. Neglecting repairs might save a few dollars in the short term, but it can lead to expensive and often deadly collisions. For example, tire blowouts can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle. Additionally, brake failures reduce stopping power and increase the likelihood of high-speed collisions.
Load cargo safely and securely
Improperly loaded cargo can throw off a truck’s balance and lead to rollovers, jackknifes, or roadway spills. Overloaded or unsecured cargo makes a truck harder to control, especially during sharp turns or sudden stops. Federal rules require all freight to be evenly distributed and secured with appropriate straps, chains, or barriers.
Hire and train competent drivers
Driving an 80,000-pound semi-truck is no small task; it requires skill, training, and a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Trucking companies have a duty to verify that drivers hold a valid CDL. They must also provide safety and operational training and ensure drivers pass physical exams and drug tests. Additionally, they should only hire drivers with a clean driving record to reduce liability.
Monitor drivers for risky behavior
Even skilled drivers can develop bad habits such as speeding or driving distracted. Trucking companies must actively monitor their drivers to catch these issues early. Telematics systems can track hard braking, sharp turns, and speeding in real-time, so employers can intervene before these behaviors cause a truck accident.
Hurt in a truck accident? Let attorney Jeff Weinstein help you move forward
A truck accident can turn your life upside down in a heartbeat. One moment, you’re on the road, and the next, you’re facing serious injuries, piles of medical bills, and a long, uncertain recovery. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Henderson County, attorney Jeff Weinstein is here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. He has dedicated over 20 years to helping people like you whose lives were changed forever by negligent truck drivers and the companies they work for.
Holding these drivers and their employers accountable isn’t easy. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters working hard to protect their bottom line. Jeff knows how to take them on. He digs deep into every case to uncover the truth. His thorough approach builds strong cases that stand up to even the toughest challenges and he has the case results to prove it. That includes $122,750 to a client who suffered a head injury and $35,159 to another client who suffered a knee and leg injury in a truck accident.
Attorney Jeff Weinstein also understands the financial strain a truck accident can cause. That’s why he works on a contingency fee basis; you don’t pay a dime unless he wins your case.
Don’t let the insurance companies pressure you into settling for less than you deserve. Contact us online or call our Athens law office for a free consultation.
"It was a very pleasant and satisfying experience. All who helped me are deserving of a job well done ... in my opinion you are very professional and do an outstanding job." - James, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐