Across the country, safety advocates, professional drivers and trucking companies are investing research and dollars into new technology that will help prevent accidents. As beneficial as this technology is, as long as there are untrained drivers on the road, there will continue to be accidents.
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Training Truck Drivers to Prevent Accidents
Of course, most trucking companies have training programs in place for their employees and strive to keep them, and the public at large, as safe as possible. Nevada has a large trucking industry, and highway safety is a huge concern. While Nevada law requires the drivers of large vehicles to possess a commercial driver’s license, the training required to obtain this license should be just the beginning.
Trucks pose a safety threat because of their size. Because they are built to haul large loads, they require different handling than a standard vehicle. The techniques used to successfully operate a truck safely are vastly different than those used to drive a standard car. Braking, turning, switching lanes and maintaining appropriate speeds are all tasks that can pose a danger to truckers and those around them. In addition, some trucks haul dangerous cargo which can cause severe damage to drivers and the environment if struck. While obtaining a commercial license is mandatory, this should not be the only training that a driver receives.
The Responsibility of Trucking Companies
Those who employ truckers in Nevada are required to adhere to certain regulations. Obtaining background checks and conducting regular drug and alcohol testing is important, but so is providing ongoing training. Despite licensing requirements, truck accidents are common, and injured drivers often find themselves seeking the council of a Las Vegas truck accident attorney.
Some companies now employ specialized technology, not only to make safe driving easier, but also to monitor the activities of their drivers. New safety features can report when a driver breaks suddenly, for example. Technology also allows trucking companies to monitor hours spent behind the wheel, in order to prevent drowsy driving. Safety teams can then compile statistics that indicate which of their drivers are most likely to be involved in an accident. This allows them to target training and provide additional support to drivers who might be behind the curve.
While Nevada law does not currently require these advanced safety features to be installed in every truck, as their effectiveness is proven, new legislation is likely.
