While commuting to and from your workplace in Pennsylvania, you have probably noticed how many trucks there are on the freeway. Driving next to tractor trailers in Pennsylvania isn’t anything new, but every once in a while, you may have encountered a reckless or unsafe truck driver driving beside you.
Dangerous truck drivers are a hazard to everyone the road, and this dangerous driving can result in fatal car accidents. If you are able to spot the signs of a dangerous or distracted truck driver early enough, you could help avoid a deadly collision later on.
What Are the Signs of a Dangerous Truck Driver in Pennsylvania?
- Driving with unsecured cargo. One very common cause of truck accidents occurs when unsecured items in a large truck become loose and crash into other vehicles around it. Trucks with large or unsecured cargo should have their hazard lights flashing, and they should have a sign somewhere on the truck alerting other drivers of their dangerous shipment.
- Following and/or trailing too close to other cars. Truck drivers should always keep a safe distance away from other drivers ahead of it, but sometimes trucks will trail too close. If there is a hazard on the road, or if another car swerves into the truck, the truck that is closely following another vehicle will have a higher chance of colliding with that vehicle and causing an even larger accident.
- Speeding. If a truck driver is speeding, he or she will not have enough time to respond to other vehicles or potential hazards.
- Swerving between lanes. Truck drivers should never suddenly swerve between lanes or change lanes too quickly. Commercial truckers should always have their signals on when they are switching lanes, and they should give themselves plenty of time to get into an exit lane.
How Can I Report a Dangerous Truck Driver?
If you witness any commercial motor vehicles driving unsafely, you can report this driver to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA. The FMCSA is responsible for setting laws and regulations for trucking safety in the commercial vehicle industry.
You can send in a report that outlines the unsafe driving practices you witnessed or any general concerns you have about the trucking industry. File your report on the FMCSA website or call their Safety Violation Hotline at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238).
Speak With a Truck Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in a truck accident involving a negligent and dangerous truck driver, you could choose to seek compensation for any injuries you sustained from the accident. Our Philadelphia truck accident lawyer can help you understand who is liable in a truck accident and your rights under Pennsylvania law.
Contact Grutzmacher Law Firm today at (215) 880-1369 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.