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How can the truck driver shortage lead to more accidents?

On Behalf of | Feb 4, 2019 | truck accidents

As a driver in Illinois, you may be used to navigating the road alongside large tractor trailers. These massive vehicles require qualified drivers to operate them around other vehicles, throughout city streets and across the country. Tractor trailers are an important part of the country’s economy, delivering goods to cities throughout the state and nation. Yet, a shortage of qualified truck drivers leaves a problem for trucking companies and ultimately for other drivers and citizens.

Trucking companies are unable to keep a full staff of qualified truckers to move their loads from destination to destination. Not only are these companies responsible for getting products from point A to point B, they must also meet deadlines. In order to meet these deadlines, some trucking companies urge their qualified truckers to stay behind the wheel for longer periods of time. Although this is in direct violation of the federal Hours of Service regulations, truckers are tempted to drive for longer hours as it increases their paychecks.

Trucking companies may also be more likely to hire truckers who are not qualified to drive a tractor trailer. Truckers may have previous violations or have a suspended license but are authorized to operate the tractor trailer regardless. All of these factors may lead to an increase in large truck accidents, injuries and deaths.

People are no longer interested in trucking positions, as they require people to spend time away from their families. Other jobs offer the same pay and more stability. However, many trucking companies have increased truckers’ pay as a way to entice truckers to join their fleet.

This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.

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