Tanker Truck Accident and Spill Regulations

    DALLAS, TX, October 14, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Tanker truck accidents happen too frequently in the U.S., although overall, the amount of toxic substances spilled has gone down over the past decade.

The laws that apply to tanker truck accidents are similar to those regarding truck accidents but they tend to be stricter. Since the chemicals carried by tanker trucks are potentially hazardous, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may dictate some of the regulations regarding a particular tanker truck accident.

Driver Responsibility
Truckers transporting toxic chemicals are expected to complete training to receive their hazardous materials endorsement (HME). However, in Canada, the U.S. HME is no longer considered adequate certification to transport hazardous materials across the border. Further training is required for those tanker truck drivers.

No training can replace trucking company and driver responsibility. Because tanker trucks are often top-heavy and prone to rolling, especially when turning corners, truck drivers are expected to take extra care when their truck is a loaded. They are expected to follow precautions such as:
• Turning corners more slowly
• Driving more slowly in inclement weather
• Allowing for more breaking distance
• Driving in the right-hand lane in marked areas

Truck Driver Fatigue
One of the greatest contributors to truck accidents is truck driver fatigue, a danger which federal laws seek to regulate by limiting drivers to 11-hour shifts with at least a 10-hour break in between. Unfortunately, this does not require that a driver rest for any specified time. It just mandates that he or she does not operate a commercial transportation vehicle during a break period.

Lobbyists for the mandatory installation of electronic tracking devices which record when a truck is turned on and off have not yet been successful in the U.S., though the requirement is in effect in the E.U. and many other countries. However, the driver is ultimately responsible for his or her own alertness when driving a truck, and should be sure that he or she is well rested.

Tanker truck regulations may vary from state to state. An experienced truck accident attorney is your best resource for learning more about the regulations surrounding tanker truck operation and accidents.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a tanker truck accident in the Dallas, Texas area, please visit the website of Polewski & Associates, experienced personal injury and truck accident attorneys.

Website: http://www.polewskilaw.com

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