Truck Laws In Georgia

Trucking is becoming more prominent throughout the United States, and it’s important to stay safe on the roads as the amount of semi-trucks increases in Georgia. Trucks and big rigs are essential in order to bring goods and services to those across the country.

What Are The Laws?

It’s important to stay vigilant on the roads that you share with large trucks and that you know the laws surrounding trucks on the road. Here are some trucking laws in Georgia:

• Size and Weight Limits: Georgia has specific regulations regarding the size and weight of trucks. These limits are in place to ensure safety on the roads and to protect the infrastructure. Trucks exceeding these limits may require special permits.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Commercial truck drivers in Georgia must possess a valid CDL. Different classes of CDL are available, depending on the type of vehicle and the nature of the cargo being transported.
• Hours of Service (HOS): Georgia adheres to federal regulations regarding the hours of service for commercial drivers. This includes restrictions on driving hours, mandatory rest breaks, and limits on consecutive working hours.
• Registration and Insurance: Trucks operating in Georgia must be properly registered, and operators must maintain the required insurance coverage. Insurance requirements may vary based on the type of cargo being transported.
• Hazardous Materials (Hazmat): Carriers transporting hazardous materials must comply with federal and state regulations governing the transportation of such materials. This includes proper labeling, placarding, and adherence to specific routes.
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD): Commercial vehicles in Georgia are required to use electronic logging devices to record hours of service. This regulation is part of the broader federal mandate aimed at improving safety and preventing driver fatigue.
• Weight Stations: Georgia operates weigh stations to monitor and enforce size and weight limits for commercial vehicles. Trucks may be required to stop at these stations for inspection.
• Traffic Rules and Regulations: Truck drivers in Georgia must adhere to all traffic laws and regulations. This includes obeying speed limits, following proper signaling procedures, and observing rules related to right-of-way.
• Distracted Driving Laws: Georgia has laws against distracted driving, which apply to all drivers, including commercial truck drivers. The use of handheld devices while driving is restricted.

Continue to be a defensive driver as you navigate highways and interstates with these large vehicles. They are not always able to see you in their blind spots, so give them adequate space to get where they need to go. If you happen to get in an accident, contact an Albany, GA truck accident lawyer for assistance.

Common Causes For Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents can result from various factors, and often they involve a combination of several elements. Common reasons for trucking accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing attention, reaction times, and decision-making abilities. Hours of Service (HOS) regulations aim to mitigate this risk, but violations or circumvention can contribute to fatigue-related accidents.
• Speeding: Excessive speed is a leading cause of accidents involving trucks. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations, increases stopping distances, and escalates the severity of collisions.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions, such as using a mobile phone, eating, or adjusting controls, can divert a driver’s attention from the road, leading to accidents.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair a truck driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
• Inadequate Training: Insufficient training for truck drivers, especially those handling large and heavy vehicles, can contribute to accidents. Proper training is crucial for understanding vehicle dynamics, safety regulations, and emergency procedures.
• Vehicle Maintenance Issues: Poorly maintained trucks are more prone to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, which can lead to accidents. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the safety and roadworthiness of commercial vehicles.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog, can make driving challenging. Trucks require longer stopping distances, and poor visibility increases the risk of accidents.
• Improper Loading or Cargo Securement: Incorrectly loaded or insecure cargo can affect a truck’s stability, leading to rollovers or spillage. Cargo that shifts during transit can also impact the handling of the vehicle.
• Tailgating: Following too closely (tailgating) reduces the time available for a truck driver to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Ignoring traffic signals, running red lights, or disregarding stop signs can result in intersection-related accidents involving trucks.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Failing to signal, not checking blind spots, or making sudden lane changes without adequate warning can lead to collisions, especially when smaller vehicles are in the truck’s blind spots.
• Inadequate Surveillance: Truck drivers may fail to check mirrors or be unaware of vehicles in their vicinity, contributing to accidents during lane changes or merging.
• Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, or obstacles on the roadway can increase the risk of accidents for trucks.
• Mechanical Failures: Malfunctions in the truck’s mechanical systems, such as brakes or steering, can lead to accidents. Regular inspections and maintenance are critical to preventing mechanical failures.

Understanding and addressing these factors through proper training, adherence to regulations, and a focus on safety can help reduce the occurrence of trucking accidents.

Stay Safe On The Roads!

Overall, it is crucial to have patience and grace with those who drive big rigs – chances are, they are delivering something that is of great value to you and your family. Keep your eyes out on the road and help those who are navigating the roads to do the same.