The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently issued a press release about the Volvo large truck recall that was initiated in March. According to the NHTSA, all of the nearly 16,000 recalled trucks have been identified and repaired. The trucks in question, 2016-2017 Volvo VNL, VNX and VNM heavy trucks, were recalled due to a defective steering shaft that had the potential to cause the driver to unexpectedly or suddenly experience a complete loss of steering. Thankfully, Volvo took unprecedented and innovative steps to contact and alert owners and drivers to the risks associated with the manufacturing defect.
Commercial Trucking Safety
In the U.S., the commercial trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Since big rigs, semi trucks, tractor-trailers and other commercial trucking vehicles are so much larger and heavier than passenger occupant vehicles, trucking companies and truck drivers have additional rules and regulations to follow. These regulations cover anything from proper loading procedures to mechanical and tire maintenance requirements. Large trucks can also transport hazardous, toxic and combustible materials, so trucking companies need to make sure their drivers are fully licensed and trained.
Semi Truck Crash Statistics
- In 2014, an estimated 438,000 large trucks were involved in crashes across the nation.
- 3,903 people were killed in crashes involving large trucking vehicles in 2014.
- 73 percent of people killed in large truck crashes in 2014 were occupants in other vehicles.
- An estimated 111,000 people were injured in large truck crashes in 2014.
- In 2014, 79 percent of fatal truck crashes happened on weekdays.
Asheville Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents, which often occur at high speeds on busy roadways, can leave the occupants of other smaller, light passenger vehicles in the hospital, or worse. Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their vehicles are in full compliance with all federal safety regulations and that their drivers are fully vetted and trained.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a semi truck accident in Asheville or in any of the surrounding Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free case consultation.