McMath Woods P.A. monitors the changes in laws, regulations, and rules regarding the trucking industry. It’s important for all drivers to understand the impact that these changes could have on the safety of the public. Recently, changes were made to the rules governing 18-wheelers and commercial drivers.

According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the Trump Administration is seeking to loosen the regulations governing the time that 18-wheeler drivers can spend on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued the proposed changes to the “hours of services” rules. Those are the rules that dictate required breaks on and off duty. The changes will allow drivers more flexibility on when they take breaks and allow for a pause in their 14-hour workday.

Commercial vehicle accidents are on the rise. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), there was a 2 percent increase from 2015 to 2016 in the number of fatal crashes involving large trucks and buses. Approximately 4,440 large vehicles used to transport goods, services, or people were in accidents in 2016. The results are often devastating. Physical injuries, financial burdens, and fatalities affect thousands of families.

It’s important to be aware of how often commercial drivers cause accidents. This awareness can encourage the further pursuit of knowledge as to why these collisions happen and what can be done about stopping them. Let’s take a look at the number of annual tractor-trailer accidents in Arkansas.

We have blogged before about the challenges of handling a wreck involving an 18 wheeler. If you are involved in a serious wreck with an 18 Wheeler, be aware that it is very likely they will have experts, including accident reconstructionists, on the scene within hours. You should not delay in seeking help. You need someone preserving evidence on your behalf and making sure that everyone involved will be treated fairly and justly.

Most 18 Wheelers have downloadable data in them that should be preserved after a significant wreck. The data can show braking, speed, rpms, steering input and numerous other pre-crash items important to reconstructing what happened. This information needs to be preserved for all parties involved.