Every time you get behind the wheel, you trust that the commercial truck drivers around you are following the rules of the road. But what if they’re not? What if the massive semi-truck in the next lane is dangerously unfit to be on the road? Trucking violations happens far too often on our nation’s roads; and as a result, we see devastating truck accidents.
In 2024, law enforcement across the country uncovered trucking violations so severe they could have caused unimaginable tragedies. These weren’t rare mistakes but clear examples of what happens when safety takes a backseat to profit.
Trucker violations include driving on a bare rim and speeding
California’s highways are lifelines for the economy, but they’re also some of the most dangerous roads when trucking safety is ignored. This past year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) revealed shocking violations that could have turned into deadly disasters.
Imagine driving down the highway and hearing the deafening screech of metal grinding against asphalt. In December, CHP officers stopped a semi-truck dragging its bare rim across the pavement. The tire was completely gone, and the driver was oblivious that it had disintegrated. That exposed rim could have shattered and caused the truck to swerve uncontrollably or send debris flying into traffic.
In another case, CHP clocked a trucker flying well above California’s 55 mph speed limit for big rigs. In a car, speeding is dangerous enough, but in a fully loaded semi-truck, it’s catastrophic. At high speeds, these trucks can’t stop quickly. One wrong move and that truck could’ve plowed through traffic and caused a deadly chain-reaction crash.
Trucker caught drinking hard liquor while driving
California wasn’t alone in these terrifying discoveries. In Iowa, the State Patrol pulled over trucks that were clear accidents waiting to happen.
One stop involved a truck with tires flat and pointing in opposite directions. This wasn’t a minor issue; this truck was completely unstable and veering unpredictably. Add broken trailer lights, and the truck was practically invisible to other drivers at night. Surprisingly, the driver claimed he had no idea.
Another truck leaned so dramatically on the road that troopers knew something was wrong. They discovered the trailer’s frame had snapped in half. Yet, the driver kept going. One sudden bump or swerve, and that trailer could have collapsed and spilled tons of cargo onto the highway.
One of the most shocking violations wasn’t mechanical; it was human. Officers stopped a commercial truck driver actively drinking hard liquor behind the wheel. His blood alcohol content was nearly five times the legal limit for commercial drivers.
In another stop, officers pulled over a truck hauling oversized freight without a permit, registration, or insurance. That truck hadn’t been legally registered in 16 years and was in horrible condition.
What are examples of safety violations in the trucking industry?
Trucking companies often cut corners by putting profit before safety. It’s ordinary drivers who face the consequences. Some of the most common trucking violations include:
Pushing drivers to the brink of exhaustion
Federal rules limit how long truckers can drive to prevent fatigue, which is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Under the federal Hours of Service rule, drivers must take at least 10 consecutive hours off between shifts, can’t drive more than 11 hours in a 14-hour work window, and must take a 30-minute break after eight hours of driving.
But trucking companies often set impossible delivery schedules. Drivers feel pressure to skip breaks, drive longer, and ignore their own exhaustion. Fatigue dulls reaction time and clouds judgment, which can turn even experienced drivers into hazards.
Skipping critical inspections
Pre-trip and post-trip inspections are supposed to catch mechanical issues before they turn deadly. Yet, many drivers skip these checks, and companies don’t enforce them. Brakes go unchecked, tires wear thin, and loose trailer connections stay loose. Every missed inspection increases the chance of a catastrophic truck accident.
Ignoring regular maintenance
Trucking companies are required to maintain their fleets. But many choose to delay repairs to save money. Worn-out brakes, bald tires, and damaged steering components don’t fix themselves. Neglecting maintenance creates trucks that are barely holding together.
Unsafe cargo loading
Properly loaded cargo is important for truck stability. But when freight isn’t secured, it shifts during transit. An overloaded or unbalanced trailer can tip over, jackknife, or spill cargo into traffic. These aren’t rare accidents; they’re preventable crashes caused by carelessness.
Hiring unqualified drivers
Driving a semi-truck requires specialized training and a Commercial Driver’s License. Some companies are desperate for drivers and will hire anyone. They often hire untrained or inexperienced drivers to handle large machines that demand skill and precision.
Ignoring dangerous driving habits
Even good drivers can develop bad habits, including speeding, recklessness, and distracted driving. Companies have the technology to monitor these behaviors in real time, but many don’t use it. When risky behavior goes unchecked, it becomes deadly behavior.
Fried Goldberg fights to make our roads safer for everyone
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, you’re likely dealing with pain, mounting medical bills, and lost income. Plus, dealing with a legal battle against a trucking company and its insurance provider can be intimidating. Without legal representation, you could be at a disadvantage.
That’s why the truck accident lawyers at Fried Goldberg LLC are here to help you during these difficult times. Our case results speak for themselves. For instance, in one case, we recovered $3.8 million for the family of a man killed after his disabled car was struck by a tractor-trailer.
While you focus on healing, we’ll handle the investigation and negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Our goal is to get you maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us online or call our Atlanta law office today. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
“My experience with Fried Goldberg was a great experience in resolving my auto accident. The attorney that I worked with answered all of my questions and was always reachable, I don’t think that I had to leave him a message one time he always answered. Fried Goldberg is who I would call if ever I had to use an attorney again.” – J.B., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐