Behind-the-wheel training requirements will start in 2020
A new rule for truck driver training may help reduce semi truck accidents across the country — but many believe that the new regulation for commercial drivers licenses (commonly known as CDLs) does not go far enough, and will not provide sufficient training for new truck drivers.
The new rule went into effect on June 5, 2017, after a number of delays brought on by the change in the administration. This rule requires that all truck drivers and other drivers of commercial vehicles who wish to obtain a CDL on or after February 7, 2020 must take behind-the-wheel training. However, there is no requirement for the minimum number of hours of behind-the-wheel training that truck drivers must take in order to receive their CDL. The original draft of the rule would have required 30 hours of behind-the-wheel training in order to receive a CDL, but that requirement did not make it into the final rule.
Currently, new truck drivers can obtain a CDL with classroom time and minimal training. While many states and CDL training schools require students to complete a minimum number of hours of real world driving in order to receive a CDL, there has been no federal requirement of behind-the-wheel training until this rule went into effect. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has estimated that requiring 30 hours of driver training would reduce the frequency of crashes involving new drivers by approximately 3.6 percent.
The new rule also requires individuals who want to obtain a CDL on or after February 7, 2020 to be trained by a person who is on a new FMCSA trainer registry. In order to be on the registry, a trainer must become certified and meet the criteria set forth by the FMCSA. Companies, such as CDL schools, that want to run their own training programs must also make sure that their trainers are on the FMCSA registry in order to comply with the rule. This new regulation also provides a core curriculum that must be used to train all drivers affected by the rule.
The importance of proper training for truck drivers cannot be understated. As truck accident attorneys, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of collisions between big rigs and passenger vehicles. Many victims suffer severe, devastating injuries — or even die as a result of these crashes. Properly trained truck drivers who understand the safe operation and handling of large, heavy commercial vehicles are less likely to cause accidents that can lead to injuries and fatalities.
Of course, truck accidents can have many causes beyond a lack of proper training. Truck drivers may drive beyond what is recommended or permitted in a given day, or they may become distracted, just like any other driver. The difference is that they are driving a massive vehicle that can cause an incredible amount of damage if it strikes another car, truck, or SUV. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help determine the true cause of a semi truck crash, and work to ensure that the victims of a truck accident get the money they deserve for their injuries.
At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we have a 95% success rate. We have represented more than 100,000 clients and helped them recover more than $2 billion for their injuries. We are skilled truck accident lawyers, and will help you if you have been hurt in a truck accident. Contact us today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com to schedule a free initial consultation. We never charge a fee unless we recover money for you!
