Truck drivers are responsible for operating some of the largest and most dangerous vehicles on the road, yet not all drivers receive the proper training to do so safely. Insufficient training leaves drivers unprepared to handle emergencies, navigate complex traffic situations, or maintain control of their vehicles in adverse conditions. These gaps in training often lead to catastrophic accidents that could have been avoided. A Prince George’s County truck accident lawyer can investigate whether inadequate training contributed to your collision and hold employers accountable for failing to meet safety standards.
At Foran & Foran, we know that insufficient training often intersects with other causes of truck accidents, such as driver fatigue or improper loading procedures, which increase the risk of severe crashes. To build a comprehensive case, our team examines driver qualifications, employer practices, and regulatory compliance. Contact us today to learn how we can help you seek justice and secure the necessary resources to recover.
What Training Is Required of Truck Drivers?Truck drivers must meet strict training standards before operating commercial vehicles. Under federal law, drivers are required to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) programs. These programs, mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), cover critical areas such as:
Safe Driving Practices: Instruction on handling large trucks in various weather and traffic conditions.
Pre-Trip Inspections: Learning to inspect vehicles for mechanical issues or improperly secured cargo.
Basic Vehicle Control: Maneuvering large trucks safely through tight spaces and turns.
Hazard Awareness: Identifying and responding to road hazards to prevent accidents.
Additionally, truck drivers must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which requires passing written and skills tests specific to the type of vehicle they will operate. Drivers transporting hazardous materials or oversized loads must receive further endorsements. Despite these regulations, not all trucking companies ensure that their drivers complete adequate training, creating risks for everyone on Maryland’s roads.
Who Is Responsible for Ongoing Training?Trucking companies are responsible for providing ongoing training to their drivers. This includes ensuring compliance with federal and Maryland laws and offering continued education on safety procedures, especially when regulations or vehicle technologies change.
Employers must also evaluate driver performance regularly and address deficiencies through retraining. For example, drivers involved in crashes or cited for violations should receive additional instruction to improve their skills and prevent future accidents. When trucking companies neglect these obligations, they endanger public safety and expose themselves to liability for accidents caused by untrained drivers.
What Happens When Drivers Are Not Properly Trained?Inadequate training has far-reaching consequences, often leading to preventable accidents. Drivers who lack sufficient instruction may struggle with tasks such as maintaining control of their vehicles, responding to emergencies, or safely loading and securing cargo. This can result in:
Collisions Due to Poor Vehicle Control:Untrained drivers may oversteer, fail to brake effectively, or lose control during adverse weather conditions.
Chain-Reaction Crashes: Misjudging distances or failing to spot hazards can set off multi-vehicle accidents.
Improperly Secured Cargo: Poorly loaded cargo can shift or fall, creating dangers for other road users.
Accidents caused by poorly trained truck drivers affect more than just the immediate victims. In 2022, 5,936 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks, with 70% of the fatalities being occupants of other vehicles. These numbers highlight the widespread impact of unsafe trucking practices.
Proper training is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a critical measure to ensure public safety. By holding trucking companies accountable for training failures, victims can drive meaningful changes in the industry and help prevent future commercial truck accidents. A Prince George’s County truck accident lawyer can investigate whether inadequate training played a role in your accident and hold the responsible parties accountable.
How Common Is Inadequate Training Among Truck Drivers?Studies reveal that driver error remains a leading cause of large truck accidents. According to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Drivers of large trucks involved in fatal crashes in the last reporting year had a higher percentage (20.8%) of previously recorded crashes compared to drivers of other vehicles.
Large-truck drivers also had the lowest percentage of previous DWI convictions (0.8%), yet 21.8% of those involved in fatal crashes had at least one prior speeding conviction.
These statistics underscore the need for proper training to address technical skills and safe driving behaviors. Employers who fail to ensure their drivers are fully prepared contribute to these preventable tragedies.
How to Prove Inadequate Training Caused a Truck AccidentEstablishing that insufficient training led to a truck accident requires thorough investigation and strong evidence. Key elements include:
Employment Records: Reviewing hiring documents to determine whether the driver met training and licensing requirements.
Company Policies:Examining whether the trucking company had adequate training protocols in place.
Driver History: Investigating prior accidents, violations, or complaints that may indicate a lack of preparedness.
Expert Testimony: Enlisting trucking experts to evaluate whether the driver’s actions reflect insufficient training.
A Prince George’s County truck accident attorney can use this evidence to build a compelling case and seek compensation for your injuries.
Was Inadequate Training a Factor in Your Truck Accident?