The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) works to ensure that truckers and trucking companies operate in a safe manner so that truck drivers don’t put other drivers (or themselves) at risk while they are on the road.
The administration’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program collects data from crash reports, driver and vehicle violation records, and roadside inspection information to identify drivers with safety problems and the companies that employ them.
CSA violations can lead to truck accidents. Our Houston truck accident attorney takes a look at the most common violations.
Common CSA Violations That Cause Houston Truck Accidents
Mechanical issues are frequent contributors to accidents. The most common CSA violations related to mechanical issues that can cause Houston truck accidents include:
- Broken or burned-out lighting. Headlights, brake lights, front clearance lamps, and side marker lights are all essential for safety. Headlights, of course, help the truck driver avoid issues in front of them. The other lights help other drivers spot the truck and accurately judge their distance from it and the amount of space the truck is occupying.
- Bad brakes. A truck is huge and heavy—and if its brakes don’t function properly, it is an extremely dangerous runaway projectile hurtling down the road. Drivers should check their brakes before every trip and make sure that they are maintained by a certified truck mechanic. Unfortunately, many drivers do not take this key safety step. The CSA cites over one million brake violations every year.
- Tired tires. As truck tires get older and have more miles put on them, they start to lose tread depth, which can make it harder for them to grip the road. Meanwhile, blown-out tires can send a truck out of control, endangering everyone nearby. Many truckers and truck companies push their tires beyond their safety limits to avoid the expense of replacing them.
Non-mechanical CSA violations—like inaccurate logs, unreported medical issues, and more—can also pose safety issues.
Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Will Find Any Violations Relevant to Your Case
If you are hurt in a Houston truck accident, the personal injury lawyers at SJ Injury Attorneys will investigate thoroughly to determine whether the driver or company in question has a history of CSA violations or may have committed a violation that led directly to the accident. Knowing the full story is key to getting the compensation you deserve.
