How to Spot Dangerous Truck Drivers on the Road

A single mistake can lead to devastating consequences–severe injury or even fatality. Because of this, it’s important that drivers and pedestrians alike are equipped with the ability to spot dangerous trucks on the road.

Below we dig into the need for driver safety measures, discuss the most common warning signs, and explain how to react if you come across a dangerous big rig on the road.

Why Truck Driver Safety Matters

Every year, a significant percentage of highway crashes involve large, commercial trucks. Often the result of these accidents is a catastrophic injury or loss of life due to the size and weight of these vehicles.

While agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have strict trucking company regulations in place to help make the roads safer, bad actors, inexperienced drivers, and a lack of safety protocols put lives at risk.

Common factors leading to truck accidents include:

1. Fatigue
2. Poor training
3. Mechanical failures
4. Distracted driving
5. Improperly loaded cargo

Each of these examples can and should be prevented. Just one of these failures can cause a chain-reaction crash that involves multiple vehicles.

Profits should never be prioritized over safety. Companies who cut corners, putting motorists at risk, need to be held accountable for their actions. Not only to help victims get the compensation they deserve, but to prevent future accidents due to similar circumstances by the same businesses.

Have You Been In A Truck Accident?

5 Warning Signs of a Dangerous Truck Driver

Whether driving along a highway or walking down a road, keep your head up and pay attention. If you see any of the following cues, be sure to slow down and begin to better position yourself to avoid a collision.

#1 Swerving & Inconsistent Lane Changes

If you spot a truck driver who is struggling to stay in their lane or drifting between lanes, this can be a sign of a distracted, fatigued, or, possibly, impaired driver.

In effort to combat fatigued driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established Hours of Service (HOS) regulations:​

11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

14-Hour Limit: Drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Off-duty time does not extend the 14-hour period.

30-Minute Break Requirement: Drivers are required to take a break of at least 30 consecutive minutes after eight cumulative hours of driving time. This break can be satisfied by an on-duty/not driving period.

60/70-Hour Limit: Drivers may not drive after 60 hours in a seven-day period or 70 hours after eight consecutive days. A driver may restart a seven or eight consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.

#2 Excessive Speeding & Tailgating

Due to carrying heavy loads and having a lot of inertia behind them, trucks take a much longer distance to come to a complete stop than most other vehicles on the road.

If you see a truck in your rearview mirror that appears to be speeding or tailgating other drivers, you may want to move into another lane and do your best to stay clear of the semi-truck in question.

#3 Frequent & Sudden Braking

Erratic driving, such as frequent and sudden braking, can suggest the driver is distracted and not paying as close of attention to the road as he should be.

It’s best to put some distance between truckers who are braking a lot as this behaviour can lead to an increased risk of a rear-end collision.

It’s not just fatigue that could be causing this behavior; there’s also the chance that a mechanical issue, such as poorly maintained brakes, is forcing the trucker to drive in this manner. Either way, it’s best to steer clear.

#4 Ignoring Traffic Signals & Road Signs

Ignoring traffic signals, road signs, or speed limits are a recipe for disaster. If you spot a truck moving at high rates of speed, blowing through orange traffic lights, or rolling through stop signs, this driver is putting others at risk.

Whether fatigued and not paying attention or trying to meet a tight schedule put in place by an employer, failing to follow basic road rules is simply dangerous–regardless of whether it’s a tractor-trailer or a general motorist.

#5 Overloaded & Poorly Secured Cargo

Sometimes trucking accidents happen not due to driver error, but because a warehouse or dock worker failed to properly secure the truck’s cargo. Cargo falling onto the road can be very dangerous, especially if it occurs while the truck is driving at speed.

Cargo can become projectiles or lead to collisions by vehicles trying to avoid the spill. If you see cargo shifting or it’s visibly unbalanced, you should consider reporting the vehicle to the authorities.

How Do I Report a Dangerous Truck Driver?

If you’re wondering how to report a dangerous truck driver you encounter on the road, your best bet is to alert the local authorities by calling 9-1-1. Tell the operator the type of vehicle it is, such as a tanker truck, vehicle hauler, or flatbed truck, the color, the name of the company, and the license plate if you can see these items.

You may also consider alerting the trucking company if you know which one to call. I’m sure they’d be very interested to know if one of their drivers is acting inappropriately in one of their trucks.

You can even file a complaint with the FMCSA at https://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov or by calling 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238).

What to Do If a Dangerous Truck Driver Causes an Accident

If you are involved in a truck-related accident, take immediate action.

First, dial 9-1-1 and report the accident. If you or anyone else is injured, request prompt medical assistance–regardless of how minor the injury may seem at the time.

Call a tractor-trailer accident lawyer. Explain the circumstances of the accident and seek legal direction.

If you are able to take photos of the accident scene, do so. Capture the positioning of all vehicles involved and document the damage caused.

Get the contact info for the truck driver and any eyewitnesses who stayed on the scene.

Seek post-accident medical care for your injuries and document each doctor or chiropractor visit.

Have You Been Injured in a Truck Accident?

It’s no surprise that trucks are dangerous. Putting a truck on the road that lacks safety measures, whether the vehicle is poorly maintained, improperly loaded, or is operated by an inexperienced driver, is negligent.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving a commercial vehicle in Wyoming or Montana, reach out to the law offices of Stinson Law Group. Our personal injury lawyers are experts in trucking laws, conducting evidence gathering investigations, and fearlessly fighting insurance companies to ensure claimants receive fair treatment and compensation.

Click or call today to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident attorney. Let’s discuss your situation and explore your legal options as they pertain to your case.

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