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Truck Accidents

When a Louisiana Truck Accident Claim Results from Distracted Driving

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Truck Accidents

Louisiana Truck Accident Attorney Explains How Driver Distractions can Warrant a Claim (Part B)

Truck drivers wanted in Louisiana, quickly

For all the talk about stubbornly high unemployment and the vanishing lower-qualification jobs in the country, the U.S. trucking industry is looking for 200,000 new truck drivers.

According to a report sponsored by one of the country’s largest motor carriers, the industry is likely to face a major challenge filling the gap. The profession is not very attractive to most people wanting to stay close to home and family. Mostly paid by the mile, potential candidates are afraid that their pay will be cut at the first sign of an economic slowdown.

Why is there a growing shortage of truck drivers?

In Louisiana, just like in the rest of the country, many “baby boom-aged” drivers are reaching retirement time. About one driver in six is aged 55 or older. Tougher safety regulations designed to get drivers with bad records off the road have also led to new hiring. During the recession, many truck drivers were laid off or ended their employment, and the latest upsurge in economic activity creates a wide gap between the available and required number of drivers.

In 2009, the median pay for a trucker stood at $37,730, a low level reflecting the sharp downturn in economic activity. Wages have gone up in 2010 and are expected to rise again this year.

A truck driver shortage matters a lot.

The process of hiring truck drivers is long and costly, not least because of the stringent safety regulations motor carriers are subject to. A driver’s past record, physical abilities, qualifications and training results are all essential elements of his or her ability to drive a large truck or 18-wheeler safely.

On the other hand, the pressure is mounting on motor carriers to speed up the hiring process so as not to lose any business for lack of personnel. This could lead to sloppier standards and more sub-contracting.

Sub-contracting is a handy way for motor carriers to escape responsibility, as they rely on small, owner-operated firms to handle part of the work for them. Owner-operators are at times more willing to take risks because they do not have the notoriety and public image of the large motor carriers, and can file for bankruptcy if things get really bad after a serious truck wreck.

For Louisianans on the road, this could be a worrying trend. We will continue fighting for strict enforcement of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules, which is the only way to keep commercial transportation safe for all those who share the road.

If you have been involved in a serious truck wreck, contact the truck accident attorneys of the Young Firm in New Orleans immediately for a free, no commitment evaluation of your case.