All semi-truck drivers in the United States must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). However, having a CDL alone isn’t enough. Commercial truck drivers must also undergo training to ensure they’re prepared for the trucks they’ll be driving, the cargo they’ll be hauling, and the routes they’ll be navigating.

Unfortunately, when trucking companies cut corners on training, the consequences can be disastrous. Inadequate driver training and education is a primary cause of many collisions involving semi-trucks.

Lack of Experience Leads to Dangerous Mistakes

The main difference between experienced and inexperienced drivers is knowing how to react to different traffic situations and being able to do so quickly, especially when under pressure.

While driving a semi-truck, a commercial truck driver must constantly be aware of their vehicle, including:

  • Its height, and how this impacts what bridges it can pass under
  • Its length, and how this affects how wide of a turn they need to make
  • Its weight, and how this impacts what bridges and roads it can drive over
  • How quickly it can accelerate and come to a stop
  • How it will react on different road surfaces and inclines
  • How the trailer will move in reaction to not just the steering wheel, but weather and road conditions like ice and strong winds

Commercial truck drivers are also under more physical and mental strain than other drivers because they are behind the wheel for many hours at a time longer than the average driver. Without proper training, inexperienced commercial truck drivers lack the hands-on experience to handle unexpected scenarios like sudden traffic stops or erratic drivers.

Trucking companies are responsible for training and preparing their drivers before letting them hit the road. Commercial drivers for carriers that fail to do so, such as any of the 1,007 companies that earned an unsatisfactory rating by the FMCSA in 2022, are more likely to be involved in accidents.

Have you been in a collision with a semi-truck? An experienced Michigan truck accident lawyer can help uncover whether inadequate driver training contributed to the crash and ensure you hold the right parties accountable.

Poor Handling of Semi-Truck Maneuvering

According to the FMCSA, more than 3,700 of the 5,700 truck accidents in 2021 involved Class 8 trucks, the largest and heaviest vehicles on the road, weighing over 33,000 lbs.

Maneuvering a truck of this size requires advanced skills and specialized training. Mistakes can lead to severe crashes due to the truck’s size and weight, which also dramatically affect the vehicle’s handling. Without proper training, drivers may struggle with basic safety maneuvers like making wide turns, stopping in time, or safely backing up, increasing the risk of accidents.

When you’re injured in a crash because of a poorly trained truck driver, you deserve compensation for your injuries. Reach out to an attorney to discuss your options and fight for the settlement you’re entitled to.

Unfamiliarity With Cargo Handling

The type of cargo a semi-truck is hauling can also affect its handling on the road. For this reason, different types of cargo may have unique laws and procedures that drivers are required to learn and follow. For example, CDL holders must be trained and certified before legally transporting hazardous materials (hazmat).

Drivers unfamiliar with the safety rules when transporting this type of cargo are at higher risk of causing an accident. Trucking companies must provide the necessary training for their drivers to master the requirements for each cargo type. Failure to provide this training can cause catastrophic accidents, particularly if the trailer rolls over or its cargo spills on the road.

If you’ve been hurt in an accident due to improper cargo handling, our attorneys can help you hold the company accountable and seek the justice you deserve.

Neglecting Route-Specific Training

Route-specific training is an often overlooked aspect of truck driver training. While drivers may be trained on general road safety and truck operation, they often need guidance tailored to the unique challenges of their specific routes. Failing to provide this training can lead to dangerous situations, especially when a driver is unfamiliar with the terrain, road conditions, or weather patterns typical of a particular region.

When truck drivers aren’t familiar with their routes or aren’t trained to anticipate the challenges of a particular journey, they may lack the skills to avoid accidents in high-risk areas, such as steep hills or construction zones.

Inexperienced or untrained drivers might struggle to manage their truck’s speed, increasing the risk of brake failure or runaway truck incidents. This danger can also extend to cities, as a driver who is unfamiliar with congested urban areas might have difficulty navigating their tight turns, low bridges, and pedestrian-filled streets.

If you’ve been injured in a crash with a truck driver who didn’t know their route and its unique challenges and dangers, don’t face the aftermath alone. Legal support is just a call away—get the help you need to recover the compensation you deserve with Fieger Law.

The Responsibility of Trucking Companies in Driver Training

Under federal law, trucking companies are legally obligated to ensure their drivers are adequately trained for their trucks, cargo, and routes.

The FMCSA’s entry-level driver training (ELDT) program establishes minimum federal standards each truck driver must possess to drive commercial vehicles. Trucking companies can be liable for their drivers’ accidents if they fail to provide truck drivers with adequate training courses or sufficient training hours.

Do you believe improper truck driver training may have caused your accident? Contact an attorney now to investigate the case and take legal action on your behalf.

Proper Training is Essential for Semi-Truck Safety

Inadequate driver training is a serious issue in the trucking industry that can lead to devastating semi-truck accidents. When trucking companies prioritize profits over safety, the consequences can be deadly.

Seek legal guidance if you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident because of inadequate truck driver training. Contact a Michigan truck accident lawyer today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.