We have discussed the widespread issues facing safety compliance and the transportation industries a number of times on this blog and in articles on our website. For example, in our article titled, “Safety officials criticized for failure to stop truck and bus accidents,” we looked at a number of tragic bus accidents that could have been prevented with better oversight and action by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Unfortunately, there are still unsafe companies operating buses and trucks all across the U.S. but the FMCSA has stated that they are working harder to shut down non-compliant companies. At least one company in Georgia has felt the impact of these efforts after the FMCSA ordered it to shut down immediately.
Earlier this year, a trucking company was found to be in violation of several trucking regulations. According to reports, the company allowed unsafe trucks to be put on the road. The FMCSA also noted that the company was negligent when it came to enforcing Hours of Service regulations, drug and alcohol testing and proper procedures for hiring trained and qualified drivers.
The FMCSA ordered that the company shut down immediately in light of the numerous violations. Unfortunately, the violations were noted only after one of the trucks had already been in a serious accident involving four other vehicles.
This situation highlights the fact that even though the FMCSA is apparently taking steps to make the roads safer for motorists, there is still a long way to go. As it is, trucking and bus companies often commit several violations before they face any penalties, which some people still consider to be too lenient.
With all this in mind, motorists in Georgia should take very seriously their right to file a legal claim against negligent, reckless companies after an accident. Taking this step can help victims get the compensation they deserve and also serve as a means of holding the appropriate parties accountable.
Source: Occupational Health & Safety, “FMCSA to Shut Down Trucking Companies in Illinois and Georgia,” June 16, 2015
