Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers: Police Training to Reduce Truck Accident Fatalities

Posted on December 21, 2015

Large commercial vehicles are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal wrecks. Due to their size, truck accidents are more likely to result in death and catastrophic injury than crashes involving smaller passenger vehicles. Sadly, the problem seems to be only getting worse. In 2012, truck crash fatalities rose by four percent from the previous year and injuries increased 18%. Though large heavy trucks and motor coaches represent just four percent of registered vehicles and nine percent of vehicle miles traveled, they are responsible for a staggering 12% of all fatal crashes. These statistics are a major concern for federal officials.

Truck drivers are subject to a number of federally mandated rules and regulations regarding safe driving. Unfortunately, that is not enough to stop some truck drivers from performing illegal or unsafe acts behind the wheel such as speeding, distracted driving or following too closely. While research shows that highly visible traffic enforcement is effective in deterring such behavior, many law enforcement officers are hesitant or even intimidated when it comes time to stop a large truck. The idea behind their reluctance may be based on a lack of comfort with large trucks and a shortage of knowledge and skills related to these types of vehicle stops.

To address this issue, the FMCSA has created the Large Truck and Bus Traffic Enforcement Program. The training is available to all law enforcement agencies and officers in either an online or instructor-led format. The program provides officers with valuable information regarding truck crash statistics, including what violations can cause trucking accidents. Officers will learn about truck driver documentation requirements and how to spot severe vehicle defects. Training also addresses safety concerns before, during and after truck stops and gives specific citation procedures. The FMCSA is hopeful that the training will give local law enforcement officers the confidence they need to stop a truck driver engaged in risky behavior before it causes a devastating wreck.

Baltimore Trucking Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Injured Truck Accident Victims

If you have been injured or lost a loved one because of truck driver negligence or recklessness, trust the Maryland truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton to get you the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of trucking laws and a firm commitment to fight trucking companies and their insurance carriers. We recover maximum compensation for our clients. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Maryland truck accident lawyer, contact us online or call 800-547-4LAW (4529) today. Someone is available to take your call and address your concerns 24 hours a day.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims and their families throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood and Elkridge.