How to Report Unsafe Driving by a Truck Driver

Although there are many hard-working truck drivers who do their best to drive safely and meet all governmental and state regulations, at times, there can be a potential problem that can endanger the lives of everyone on the roadway. These problems can be numerous, but when they occur, it is important to report the event in order to ensure that safety is maintained for all drivers, whether on the highway or on rural roads.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are many types of safety violations that require reporting such as:

• Hours of Service: Drivers are required to work a set maximum number of hours in order to prevent fatigue, which can lead to accidents because of tiredness and lack of focus. When drivers record false entries into log books or are asked to drive more hours than allotted, it bears reporting.
• Unqualified Drivers: Drivers that are used by Motor Carriers must be qualified to drive. This typically includes a passing medical examination, certification, passing drug tests, and other guidelines set forth. Failure to do so will make the situation extremely unsafe, and thus, if a driver is suspected of being unqualified, it is imperative that this is reported or a complaint is filed.
• Drugs and Alcohol: It goes without saying that alcohol and/or drug abuse is an intolerable practice that some drivers choose to engage in. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can not only have their licenses suspended but can also face a steep fine.
• Unsafe Equipment: Even if the driver follows all rules and regulations, consideration must also be made to the equipment that is being used. Motor Carrier vehicles that are in poor condition or in need of repair should be reported.
• Additional Complaints: There are many situations in which a situation should be reported, such as lump, which is the practice in which a driver will pay others to unload cargo or when a driver is engaging in unsafe or erratic behavior while on the road. If a situation can be dangerous, it is worth complaining.

How to Report an Unsafe Trucker

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, many safety violations require reporting under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, such as Hours of Service, Unqualified Drivers, Drugs and Alcohol, and Unsafe Equipment. If a situation can be dangerous, it is worth complaining. Now that one knows what kind of situations bear reporting, it is also essential to understand how to file a complaint in the first place.

Signs of Unsafe Driving

To report unsafe truck drivers on Texas highways, it is crucial to be aware of the signs of hazardous truck driving. These signs include:

• speeding,
• texting while driving,
• ignoring traffic signals,
• aggressive driving,
• illegal passing,
• unsecured or poorly secured trailers or loads,
• camping in the left lane,
• swerving,
• reckless driving,
• following too closely,
• illegal turns,
• failure to yield, and
• drifting out of one’s lane of traffic

Recognizing these behaviors can help identify dangerous truck drivers and take appropriate action.

Several avenues are available to report a trucker’s dangerous driving effectively. In case of an imminent accident, it is advisable to dial 911 immediately. For risky maneuvers that do not pose an immediate emergency, one can report the observed behavior to a non-emergency police or sheriff’s line. Another option is filing a complaint with federal authorities: contacting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

In addition, reporting unsafe truck drivers on Texas highways can also involve filing a complaint with state authorities. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) oversees the safety of highways within the state. By contacting the TxDOT, individuals can provide vital information to help address the issue and ensure safer road conditions.

To initiate a complaint, individuals can contact the Department of Transportation directly. This can be accomplished by visiting the department’s website or calling the National Consumer Complaint Database at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238). It is important to note that if the complaint is against an intrastate motor carrier, the state’s Public Utilities Commission is the appropriate authority to contact. For Texas residents, relevant information can be found on the Public Utility Commission of Texas’ department website.

Information to Supply Official When Making a Complaint

When filing a complaint with local and federal authorities, gathering specific information that can aid in the investigation is important. Some essential details to have on hand include a physical description of the vehicle involved, such as its make, model, and color.

Additionally, capturing the license plate number or the DOT number displayed on the vehicle can be valuable for identification purposes.

Taking pictures of the vehicle is highly recommended, as they can provide visual evidence to support your complaint. Zooming in on key details, such as texting while driving or capturing clear images of license plate numbers, is particularly helpful.

However, it is crucial to prioritize safety and avoid attempting to take photos while driving yourself. By ensuring you have these details readily available, you can effectively communicate the necessary information to state and federal authorities and local law enforcement agencies when filing a complaint.

By utilizing these resources and reporting unsafe truck drivers, individuals play a crucial role in making the roadways safer for themselves and other drivers. Taking proactive steps and reporting instances of dangerous truck driving can prevent accidents, save lives, and ensure a secure transportation environment.

Call DOT at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238).

According to the website, typically, consumer complaints are put into the following categories:

• Household Goods
• Passenger Carrier (Motorcoach/Bus/Van)
• Hazardous Materials
• Safety
• Driver

Understanding what category your complaint is in is vital when contacting the department.

In addition, the research also notes that if the complaint is against an intrastate motor carrier, then one must contact the state’s Public Utilities Commission. For the state of Texas, information can be found at the Public Utility’s Commission of Texas’ department website.

Utilizing these resources is imperative for making life on the roadways safe for other drivers and for truckers themselves.

18 Wheelers are especially dangerous, given they can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The weight makes an accident with a big truck likely to cause a severe injury or the wrongful death of a loved one.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer for Help After an Accident

If you or a family member have been injured and need an 18-wheeler accident lawyer, call us for a free consultation about your rights and options.

Toll-Free 1-866-758-4529 or (281) 893-0760

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Sources:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/contact-us

http://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq.asp

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About Greg Baumgartner

Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.