Intense 72 Hours Of Inspections Promote Truck Safety

Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance organizes a nationwide 72-hour inspection spree to check the status of trucks and buses. Truckers from Connecticut can expect inspectors to focus on load securement in 2017. Level I inspections from the alliance include checks of cargo tie-downs, but inspectors want to impress upon the trucking industry the importance of preventing the shifting or loss of cargo in transit.

To pass inspection, the CVSA advises truckers to make sure that their tie-downs are in good working condition. Inspectors look for damage that could cause a load to break loose. Common problems include an inadequate amount of tie-downs, loose straps and improperly secured truck equipment.

The inspection blitz in 2016 involved evaluations of about 15 trucks or buses every minute across the country. Problems were plentiful because inspectors took 21.5 percent of trucks out of service as well as 3.4 percent of the drivers involved. The 72-hour effort resulted in 9,080 trucks failing inspection.

Although many people work hard to keep commercial trucks operating safely, accidents happen often, and the victims might encounter trouble recovering damages. An attorney could represent an accident victim by meeting with the insurance adjuster from the trucking company. Attempts to make a low settlement offer might be recognized by an attorney, who could check the insurance policy for complete coverage amounts. An attorney might also prepare a personal injury lawsuit, especially if truck driver fatigue, speeding or poor truck maintenance caused the wreck. Court filings such as expert testimony and trucking log violations could be organized by an attorney. If pretrial negotiations do not result in a settlement that reflects the financial hardships of the victim, then the attorney could advance the case to a trial.