Truck Driver Responsibilities

Commercial and professional truck drivers have a greater responsibility and duty to follow regulations and keep themselves and other drivers safe. The size and weight of their vehicles makes them far more dangerous than a regular car, and require special training and skill to operate correctly. The Atlanta, Georgia law firm of Henry Spiegel Milling, LLP explains some of the responsibilities and higher expectations a truck driver must meet.

CDL Licensing

Men and women who wish to become professional truck drivers in Atlanta or any other part of the state must obtain a commercial drivers license before they can begin to drive. To obtain a CDL, an applicant must pass several written and practical exams, as well as provide proof they have been examined by a D.O.T, approved physician and are receiving treatment for any medical conditions they may have. Additionally, they must be at least 21 years of age, have at least 20/40 vision and normal blood pressure if they wish to be a long-haul truck driver.

Truck Driver Work Hours

It is a driver’s responsibility to work only the hours allowed by federal law and to take the appropriate breaks and rest the regulations require. Not doing so can result in driver fatigue and exhaustion, which is one of the leading causes of truck and tractor trailer accidents. Drivers are responsible for remaining alert and well rested, even if it means that it takes them longer to get to their destination.

Trucking Log Books

Truck and tractor trailer drivers are required to maintain a log book that keeps a record of when and where a driver has traveled, the breaks and rest they took, and the nature of the freight they are carrying. This helps ensure that driver’s are acting safely and legally. It is the responsibility of the driver to maintain this log and make sure the information recorded in it is correct. Improper log books can be considered an act of negligence.

Truck Maintenance

In order to ensure the safe operation of a truck or tractor trailer, regular maintenance must be performed. A driver is responsible for making sure this maintenance is preformed when it should be, and doesn’t not have the right to put it off or refuse to maintain their vehicle.

By behaving responsibly and living up to higher expectations, the men and women who drive trucks and tractor trailers help to keep themselves and other drivers safe on the road. Although not every accident can be prevented, responsible behavior can go a long way in keeping drivers everywhere safe. Not doing so is considered negligent, and a driver may be able to be held liable.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our truck accident attorneys, call the law firm of Henry Spiegel Milling at 866-959-3877, or use our quick contact web form.