In 2016, more than 1,500 truck drivers were pulled out of service for exceeding the number of hours of driving allowed in a stretch.
Using documents such as fuel receipts and scale tickets, state troopers are able to determine if drivers behind the wheel of what some characterize as an 80,000 missile, are abiding by a 14-hour-a-day driving limit or continuing to drive without sleep to make more money.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, 20% of fatalities in Iowa involve commercial motor vehicles such as semi trucks and Iowa has more than double the rate of fatalities involving commercial vehicles nationwide. Of course, driver fatigue potentially plays a role.
In the interest of making Iowa roadways safe for everyone, the Department of Public Safety has added as many as 26 part-time troopers to keep an eye out, particularly for drowsy truckers.
If you or a family member has been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck driver, contact the Law Offices of Stoltze & Stoltze PLC for help. The attorney team at Stoltze & Stoltze, PLC, has extensive experience handling motor vehicle accident injury claims for clients in Des Moines and throughout Iowa. Call today to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney to get the compensation you need.
