Truck drivers play a huge role in our nation’s economic health and prosperity. Their jobs are essential for the flow of goods and services that are a part of our everyday lives and their efforts ensure that businesses remain operational and the economy remains robust. However, with demanding schedules and a host of stressors, drivers can often become susceptible to aggressive and unsafe driving habits. If you observe a dangerous truck driver on an Indiana roadway, there are some things that can be done to ensure their actions are reported and documented for the safety of themselves and others.
When encountering a dangerous truck driver, the first thing you should do is call 911 if the situation poses an immediate and imminent threat to public safety. The dispatcher will take the appropriate information and relay it to law enforcement authorities for immediate action.
For non-emergency situations, you can contact the Indiana State Police at 317-615-7373. This is the department’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division that will take the necessary steps to follow up on your report. You can also always call the non-emergency number for your local police department and report the incident to them.
If a truck belongs to a specific company with an identifiable brand, you may report the driver and incident to the company’s safety department. Many of these companies participate in the 800 How’s My Driving Program and a toll-free reporting number will be visible on the back of the rig. These companies have policies in place to address and rectify dangerous driving behaviors.
Lastly, you may file a report with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) by visiting their National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB) online. The FMCSA handles complaints related to commercial vehicle safety and compliance.
It is important to note that unsafe truck driving reports should be taken seriously and not be used for petty disputes or as a retaliatory tactic. False or exaggerated reports will not only unfairly impact truck drivers, but will also compromise the overall integrity of the reporting system.
The potential dangers of 18-wheelers and large trucks cannot be overstated. Often weighing tens of thousands of pounds, these vehicle can be extremely dangerous when operated by careless or unsafe drivers, especially when traveling at high rates of speeds. The consequences of such accidents can be incredibly severe and tragic, as we have seen first-hand at our law firm. For this reason, drivers and their employers need to be held accountable for unsafe driving, particularly if these actions lead to a serious accident.
If you or a loved one have been injured by a reckless or negligent truck driver in Indiana, contact our firm to discuss your legal options. We have over a century of combined experience fighting for our clients in a variety of personal injury cases. We work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we reach a settlement or jury verdict award on your behalf.
To speak with an attorney, call our law office at 317-636-0808 or complete the form below for a FREE consultation.
