Illinois residents might be interested to learn that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is preparing to conduct the first large truck crash causation study in 15 years. The last study that the agency conducted was from 2001 to 2003.
According to the FMCSA, a new study is necessary because technology has undergone substantial changes since the earlier study was completed. Smartphones have become ubiquitous, and many people engage in distracted driving habits because of these devices. Trucks are now equipped with electronic logging systems that track their speeds and provide information about things such as hard braking and lane departures that occurred in the moments leading up to truck collisions.
In the last large truck crash causation study, the vast majority of truck accidents that were caused by the trucks were attributed to driver errors. The FMCSA hopes that the new study will take into account all of the technological advances that have occurred in onboard safety and navigation systems and provide information for further safety improvements to reduce accidents. The FMCSA’s proposal for the study has been published in the Federal Register and is currently open for comments.
Accidents involving large trucks can cause lifelong injuries and deaths. People who are seriously injured in truck collisions and the families of people who are killed might want to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer can examine what happened and thoroughly investigate to build a strong case of liability potentially against the truck driver, the driver’s employer and other parties that may have contributed to the accident’s cause. In-depth investigations can help to gather evidence that might make the insurance companies more likely to settle the case. If the attorney is unable to secure a fair settlement offer, going to court may be the best option.