Trucking Industry Led by Individuals Who Have Never Driven a Truck

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Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers discuss decisions leading the trucking industry being made by those that aren't truck drivers.From the recent audit that the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General launched into the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) medical certification procedures, to issues related to hours of service, truck drivers have expressed their frustration over the fact that none of the people in high-powered industry positions have ever driven a truck. Some do not even have a background in commercial driving.

Yet these individuals are making decisions and passing laws that have a direct impact on truck drivers’ salaries, when they can work, and how they are treated by their employers. As a result, many truck drivers have directed their frustrations to the FMCSA.

Recently, the FMCSA stated that trucking companies in California did not have to pay their truck drivers for their mandatory rest breaks. According to the FMCSA administrator, continuing to pay truck drivers for time that they are not on the road is a significant “drag on the economy.” He also said that there are studies that indicate that the mandatory breaks reduce productivity.

Rest Breaks Help Prevent Devastating Truck Accidents

However, many truck drivers have spoken out against these claims, saying that if truck drivers are not given paid rest breaks, it could seriously jeopardize the safety of the truck drivers and other motorists on the road. Truck drivers who have not gotten the necessary amount of sleep, and who are under a great deal of pressure to meet unreasonably tight deadlines are more likely to cause an accident.

The president of Real Women in Trucking, who is also a truck driver, argued that if the FMCSA cared about safety, they would do what was necessary to ensure that truck drivers are not exhausted and stressed out about their pay, as well as other important issues that impact their job.

Truck Driver Frustrations

Many truck drivers are also frustrated by the fact that there are approximately 1.8 million truck drivers in this country, and their livelihoods are dictated by a small group of individuals who have never stepped foot in a truck or held any type of commercial driver’s license.

For example. The FMCSA administrator, prior to becoming administrator, held a number of positions in the transportation industry, but was never a truck driver. The FMCSA chief safety officer and assistant administrator worked for the New York State Police for 25 years, but also never drove a truck.

Interestingly, other transportation agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Federal Railroad Administration, and the US Maritime Administration, are led by individuals are have direct relevant work experience.

Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Devastating Truck Accidents

If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will examine the details of your accident and determine who is responsible for your injuries. Our dedicated lawyers will protect your legal rights and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.