Speeding Tops List of Truck Driver Violations

A list of the most common traffic violations made by professional truck drivers was released this month, as part of the annual Operation Safe Driver Week. The top five violations were:

1. State, local moving violations. These kinds of violations are specific to the locations where the driver got ticketed. For example, driving in a carpool lane illegally – the definition of carpool lane can vary even within the same state. Some carpool lanes require two people per vehicle, while others require three or more. For long-distance professional drivers, it can be difficult to keep up with the changing rules of the road.
2. Speeding. Speeding tickets accounted for 20% of all traffic infractions. With pressure on drivers to reach their destination by a certain time, truck drivers often find themselves traveling faster than is legal.
3. Failure to obey traffic control device. This one is much less confusing than it sounds. A traffic control device, nine times out of ten, simply refers to a sign. So if a truck driver blows a red light or rolls through a stop sign, they are ticketed for failing to obey a traffic control device.
4. Failing to use a seat belt. Just like non-professional drivers, truckers are required to wear a seat belt when their vehicles are in motion.
5. Using a handheld phone. Truck drivers are required to use bluetooth, hands-free headsets should they need to make phone calls on the road. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen – as evidenced by the large volume of tickets written for using handheld phones at the wheel.

Virginia Truck Accident Personal Injury Lawyers

If you’ve been in injured in a truck accident, or any kind of vehicle accident, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer about your legal rights. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims injured by the negligence of another for over 29 years. If you’d like to setup a free consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact us today 877-544-5323.