Arizona Tractor Trailer Accident Attorneys
Attorney Representation in Phoenix, Arizona Since 1996
What Are Truck Driver Safety Requirements?
Trucking accidents happen all over Arizona. As trucking accident attorneys, we see trucking accidents that cause very serious and many times fatal injuries to innocent victims. In order to prevent such accidents from happening, there are a number of safety requirements that truck drivers have to adhere to in order to be allowed to operate. Most people do not realize that a driver of a truck is required to adhere to certain federal regulations in order to drive a truck. In addition, if these regulations are not followed, the driver and the driver's company can be liable for extreme fines and punitive damages to the injured party or the family members of a loved one who is killed by the negligence of a truck driver.
Truck Driver Regulations
The following requirements below are based on the truck driver regulations as published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and that of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
Driver’s License
In order to operate a truck or any other heavyweight vehicle in Arizona, a driver is required to have a commercial driver license (CDL). According to the ADOT, a CDL is divided into three classes. Classes A, B, and C differ in terms of the weight of the truck, the number of passengers allowed, and if hazardous materials are to be transported.
Age Restriction
Since driving a truck requires a CDL, the minimum age requirement to drive a truck is 21 years old. Applicants below 21 years of age but older than 18 years of age can apply for an interstate CDL. Drivers younger than 21 years of age; however, are not allowed to transport hazardous materials at any time.
Health Requirements
Drivers applying for a CDL are required to submit their Medical Examiner Certificate. This requirement will determine whether a driver is physically fit to obtain a commercial driver's license which is essential in keeping the road safe.
Knowledge and Skills
The FMCSA requires commercial motor vehicle drivers to possess certain knowledge and skills in order to ensure that they are capable of operating such vehicles. Among others, truck drivers must have knowledge in safe operations regulations, basic control and movement of the vehicle, night operation, and driving under extreme conditions such as bad weather.
Furthermore, drivers must possess certain skills that are required in order to operate a CMV. These skills are essential in effectively operating CMVs including big trucks. Drivers will undergo tests to determine whether they are fit to operate CMVs.
Alcohol and Drug Testing
Impairment is a major factor in fatal motor vehicle accidents. Drivers operating vehicles heavier than 26,000 lbs. can carry 16 or more passengers, or if the truck is used in transporting hazardous materials, the driver is required to undergo alcohol and drug screening.
Call an Arizona Truck Accident Attorney
A truck accident can result in life-changing injuries and even death. In order to help pay for medical expenses incurred as a result of an accident, victims may demand compensation if they are hurt in an Arizona trucking accident. As Arizona truck accident lawyers, Mark and Alexis Breyer have had years of success in representing accident victims who have been hurt by a truck driver. To have all your questions answers call Breyer Law Offices at (480) 753-4534.
