Report A Truck Driver Driving Dangerously

Author: 30klife January 11, 2023

How To Report A Bad Truck Driver

Although there are many hardworking truck drivers that try their best to drive safely and in accordance with all governmental and state requirements, there may be occasions when a potential problem arises that endangers the lives of everyone on the road.

These issues can be numerous, but when they occur, it is critical to report the incident to ensure the safety of all drivers, whether on the highway or on rural roads.

Quick note before we get into the meat of the article, if you’ve been injured in an auto accident, call our Houston car wreck attorneys today.

Report These Safety Violations

According to the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are numerous sorts of safety violations that must be reported, including:

Report Exhausted Truck Drivers

Drivers are required to work a maximum number of hours in order to avoid exhaustion, which can lead to accidents due to tiredness and lack of focus. Drivers should be reported if they make fraudulent entries in their log books or are urged to drive more hours than they are allowed.

Report Unqualified Truck Drivers

Unqualified Drivers: Motor Carriers must hire drivers who are qualified to drive. This often entails passing a medical examination, certification, passing drug testing, and adhering to other criteria. Failure to do so will make the situation highly dangerous, thus if a driver is suspected of being untrained, this must be notified or a complaint filed.

Report Truck Drivers for Drugs & Alcohol

Drugs and Alcohol: It goes without saying that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an unacceptable behavior that some drivers choose to indulge in. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol may have their licenses suspended as well as face a hefty fine.

Report Unsafe Equipment on an 18-Wheeler

Unsafe Equipment: Even if the driver fulfills all norms and regulations, the equipment utilized must also be considered. Motor Carrier vehicles in bad condition or in need of repair must be reported.

Additional Complaints About 18 Wheeler Drivers

Additional Complaints: There are numerous scenarios in which a problem should be reported, such as lumping, which is the practice of paying others to unload cargo, or when a driver exhibits risky or unpredictable behavior while on the road. If a situation has the potential to be dangerous, it is worthwhile to file a complaint.

Posted with permission from HoustonCarAccidentLawyers.org – Auto Accident Attorneys.

When to Report a Dangerous Trucker Commercial Vehicle Driver

Now that you know what types of events should be reported, it is critical to understand how to register a complaint in the first place. To do so, make direct contact with the Department of Transportation.

See here https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/consumer-protection/report-safety-violations

This can be accomplished by going to the department’s website or by contacting the National Consumer Complaint Database at:

Call 1-888-DOT-SAFT for more information (1-888-368-7238).

According to the website, consumer complaints are often classified as follows:

1. Household Items,
2. Passenger Transport (Coach/Bus/Van),
3. Hazardous Substances,
4. Driver for Safety

When contacting the agency, it is critical to understand what category your complaint falls under.

Furthermore, the report states that if the complaint is against an intrastate motor carrier, the state’s Public Utilities Commission (https://www.opuc.texas.gov/index.php/complaints/) must be contacted. The Public Utility Commission of Texas’ department website contains information for the state of Texas.

Utilizing these resources is critical for keeping life on the road safer for other drivers as well as truckers.

Because 18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, they are very dangerous. Because of the weight, a collision with a large truck is more likely to result in serious injury or the wrongful death of a loved one.

If you or a family member has been injured and require the services of a Houston 18 wheeler accident lawyer, please contact us for a free consultation to discuss your rights and choices.