Will new CDL requirements help prevent truck accidents?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is considering changing its commercial driver’s license (CDL) testing requirements in an effort to attract more drivers, make the process easier, and reduce the number of commercial truck accidents, according to CCJ Digital, a trucking industry news website.
The FMCSA said it hopes the proposed CDL testing changes will “improve the efficiency and convenience of CDL issuance and improve highway safety by further ensuring the integrity of third-party CDL knowledge testing,” CCJ Digital reported based on a recent FMCSA public notice.
FMCSA is considering changing its CDL testing process
There are three main reasons why the FMCSA is considering adopting changes to its CDL testing process:
- Removing inefficiencies that make it difficult for new or existing commercial truck drivers to take the CDL test.
- Making the process easier to encourage more people to become commercial truck drivers due to ongoing “CMV (commercial motor vehicle) driver shortages,” the FMCSA stated in a recent public announcement.
- Hopefully, this will reduce the number of commercial truck accidents, which have steadily increased in recent years.
Proposed CDL test changes under consideration
If approved by the FMCSA, the following proposed changes would be made to the CDL testing process, according to CCJ Digital:
- Allow truck drivers to take the CDL skill test in a state other than where they live.
- Eliminate the 14-day waiting period for a CDL skill test after someone obtains their commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
- Allow CLP holders who passed the CDL skill test to drive a commercial truck without a qualified CDL holder in the passenger seat.
Several other proposed changes are also being considered for obtaining and maintaining a CDL, which commercial truck drivers must have to operate a commercial truck legally.
Truck accidents are on the rise
As briefly explained above, the FMCSA wants to amend its CDL testing policy because of the continued increase in commercial truck accidents. Between 2013 and 2022, commercial truck accidents nationwide have increased by 40 percent, according to Freight Waves.
As for Texas, the problem has been even worse in recent years. In 2022, there were more commercial truck accidents (19,424), truck accident injuries (7,517), and fatalities (692) in Texas than in any other state nationwide, according to Truck Info.
Seeking legal help after a truck accident
Accidents involving commercial truck drivers in East Texas often turn into complicated legal battles. Unlike other accidents, determining fault in these cases can be more complex due to the potential involvement of multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or even the driver of another vehicle involved in the crash.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you navigate these challenges by identifying all potential liable parties, gathering evidence, and advocating for your rights to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
At Weinstein Law, we know the state and federal laws that apply to commercial truck accidents in Texas. We’re also not intimidated by trucking companies or insurance companies. We know how to negotiate effectively with them and won’t let them take advantage of you.
Put your trust in an attorney who will take your concerns seriously. Contact us and schedule a free consultation with a Texas truck accident lawyer who can help you get your life back on track. Located in Athens, TX, our law firm handles truck accident injury claims and lawsuits in Henderson County and throughout East Texas.