Proposed rule may impact CDL applicants in Indiana

On behalf of Steven Crell of Steve Crell Law posted in Truck Accidents on Thursday, March 10, 2016.

A proposed rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration would add requirements to drivers looking to get their CDL. The rules would also apply to those looking to upgrade from Class B to Class A. Drivers would be required to spend 30 hours behind the wheel of a commercial truck with at least 10 of those hours at a driving range.

Another 10 hours must be spent on public roads with no fewer than 10 trips of 50 minutes or more. Furthermore, anyone who wants to get their Class A CDL must also go through a theoretical portion of training. This would teach drivers how to conduct an inspection, how to react after a crash and basic operation of the truck. If the rule is passed, it would also impose new standards on what it takes to become a FMCSA-approved training provider.

Centers would be scrutinized as to who their instructors are, the quality of the training vehicles used and other variables determined by the agency. The rule was scheduled to be announced on March 7, and it would then be subject to a 60-day public comment period. If it is approved by the Department of Transportation and the Office of Management and Budget, it would take effect three years after being published in the Federal Register.

Individuals who are involved in big rig accidents may face a variety of injuries and other negative consequences. It may be impossible to go back to work either temporarily or permanently depending on what an injured victim did prior to the crash and the severity of the injuries. In the event that the accident was caused by the negligence of the truck driver, injured victims may want to have the assistance of counsel in seeking compensation from the driver and the trucking company.