The Impact of Truck Driver Shortage on USA Roads
With an approximate shortage of 60,000 truck drivers in the United States, this deficit is projected to grow to 82,000 by the end of this year. By 2030, that number may be as high as 160,000. But should this shortage be a cause for concern?
The transportation of goods is crucial to our economy. A shortage of drivers can result in products not being able to be delivered, causing supply chain shortages. Additionally, the lack of drivers can cause a delay in delivering raw materials, impacting manufacturing activities. The increased price of goods may eventually result in consumers being unable to afford products. However, the biggest problem with the truck driver shortage is that drivers who are not qualified are being hired or retained.
Our personal injury lawyers in Commerce can show you how the current shortage of truck drivers affects the economy and may impact your daily commute.
Dangers of the Truck Driver Shortage
Given the deficit in truck drivers, trucking companies are seeing smaller profit margins. Companies are spending less time training truckers to make up for lost revenue. If you are sharing the road with an 18-wheeler, you want the driver behind the wheel to be as knowledgeable about what they are doing as possible. This lack of training is resulting in an uptick in truck accidents.
Commercial truck drivers must follow strict regulations regarding the number of hours they can drive per day and the time they must spend in the sleeper berth. Given the severe shortage of drivers and supply demand, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has created more leniency in its Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations.
Effects of High Demand
As of September 2020, truck drivers can expand their driving window to two hours in the event of adverse weather. Also, drivers are given a short-haul exemption, which permits them not to forgo an otherwise required break after 30 minutes of driving while allowing them to remain on duty for 14 hours. Given the demanding schedule truck drivers are under, these new regulations are contributing to driver fatigue and burnout.
Given trucking companies' difficulty recruiting new drivers, current drivers must maintain a demanding schedule to deliver goods on time. Unfortunately, this results in less time for routine maintenance. If a truck is not regularly getting its brakes checked, exhaust inspected, or tire pressure checked, you better hope you are clear from the vehicle when something goes wrong.
Recovering From Your Injuries
A truck driver's inadequate training or supervision is no excuse for suffering harm. At Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland, our Commerce semi-truck accident lawyers hold truck drivers and trucking companies who are liable accountable for their actions.
Given the impact of a truck accident, you may experience a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, injuries to internal organs, fractures, herniated discs, and all types of catastrophic injuries. These injuries can permanently change your life. If you have suffered an injury due to another’s carelessness, you deserve full compensation for all monetary losses and the impact the accident has had on you and your family.
Schedule Your Consultation with Our Commerce Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers
At Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland, we have deep roots in the community, having been in business since 1991. We have been helping accident victims recover maximum compensation on their injury claims to get their lives restored. Our legal team takes a personal interest in each injury claim, allowing us to rise to any challenge. We know how much is on the line. We are not afraid to file a lawsuit and endure a lengthy litigation process if that means you will receive the compensation you deserve. To arrange your complimentary consultation, call (770) 887-1209 or complete our online contact form.