The Impact of Truck Driver Shortages on Road Safety in Washington

Did you know that, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the US is currently short by about 60,800 truck drivers? This obviously presents supply chain issues for consumers, but it has also placed significant pressure on trucking companies that have led to a rise in truck accidents both nationwide and locally in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, these companies often cut corners to try and compensate for the shortage.

In 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that 4,444 of the crashes involving large trucks resulted in fatalities, and continuing analysis has made this alarming trend more clear in recent years. The pressure of the national trucker shortage has led to roads being increasingly populated with untrained, unvetted, and inexperienced truck drivers, creating a hazardous environment for other drivers on the road.

Let’s look more closely at the reasons for the truck driver shortage, its larger consequences, and what to do if you’ve been involved in a truck accident in the Washington, D.C., area.

Reasons for the truck driver shortage

Age limit for Commercial Driving License (CDL)

Experts believe that the Commercial Driving License age limit of 21 for truck drivers is one reason for the shortage, as young people tend to choose other professions rather than wait three years to become truck drivers.

There are two opposing points of view about this situation. One advocate for granting Commercial Driving Licenses to individuals as soon as they turn 18, believing that could solve the truck driver shortage problem. However, the other, more cautious group argues that allowing 18-year-olds to operate trucks will likely lead to a surge in road truck accidents, given their lack of experience and maturity in handling these massive vehicles.

Meager wages

On average, a truck driver is only paid $22 to $25 an hour, as they are paid by the mile, and traffic delays can significantly alter their wages. According to a 2019 study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the truck driving market is not fundamentally broken, and the obvious solution of increasing wages to match the demand for drivers could play a pivotal role in addressing the issue.

It’s believed that companies can attract more drivers by offering competitive pay, as low wages are one of the primary reasons people turn away from the profession. Combined with long hours and physically demanding and hazardous work, the barriers to becoming a professional truck driver remain significant.

Consequences of the US truck driver shortage

While industry leaders cry over the increasing prices of goods, long delivery times, and less profits for the supply chain industry, they forget that a more precious thing—human life—is on the line due to the US truck driver shortage. And the consequences could become even greater in the near future, as the industry is estimated to be short 160,000 truck drivers by 2028.  Let’s examine three major consequences of the truck driver shortage for everyday drivers in Washington, D.C.

1. Inexperienced drivers behind the wheel

Despite a study by the ATA revealing that 88% of truck driving applicants lack experience, some trucking companies still managed to hire drivers for their long-haul trucks. This raises an important question: Are these companies hiring inexperienced drivers? If so, what would it mean for drivers on Washington, D.C.’s roads? Operating a long-haul truck demands specialized skills and thorough training. Lowering standards to hire inexperienced truck drivers significantly increases the risk of accidents and crashes on Washington, D.C.’s highways.

2. Violation of hours of service regulation

The shortage also implies that trucking companies are pushing their existing drivers to work even longer hours to ensure timely delivery of goods. This pressure would violate FMCSA’s hours of service regulation, which requires drivers to take mandatory rest after a specific driving duration. Consequently, the drivers may compromise on sleep and resort to speeding to meet deadlines, increasing the likelihood of more truck accidents.

3. Overloaded trucks

Another way trucking companies try to compensate for the shortage of drivers is by overloading the trucks, which may lead to more accidents. Heavy trucks are difficult to maneuver and need longer stopping distances, which is impossible due to clogged Washington, D.C. roads. Also, overloaded trucks become more susceptible to equipment failure. For example, a truck may be bogged down by its weight, resulting in tire blowouts.

 

If motorists get injured in a Washington, D.C. truck accident, they could be eligible for compensation if someone else’s negligence caused the collision. However, determining liability in truck accidents can be very complex, as multiple parties may be at fault. Therefore, it’s important that truck accident victims contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.

What to do after a truck accident in Washington, D.C.

In the world of the supply chain industry, where trucking companies are all too eager to pocket more profit and offer meager wages to truck drivers, demand long service hours, violate FMCSA’s regulations, and hire inexperienced truck drivers, truck accidents are bound to happen on Washington, D.C.’s roads.

Truck accidents can turn your life upside down, draining your savings with medical bills, lost wages, or even the loss of a job due to severe, lifelong injuries. The emotional trauma and pain only add to the burden. You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving a long-haul truck.

But dealing with trucking companies and insurance providers on your own can be completely overwhelming. That’s where an experienced truck accident lawyer from Paulson & Nace in Washington, D.C., comes in. For over 40 years, Paulson & Nace’s team has been committed to fighting for truck accident victims’ rights every step of the way.

Let us handle the legal challenges while you focus on your recovery. Contact our law offices in Washington, D.C., today for a free case evaluation—fill out the online form or call us now at 202-897-4193.