Truck Accident News

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta Applauds Contributions Of Truck Drivers

"The trucking industry is an essential component of our American economy, and we greatly appreciate the hard work and the important contributions of the 10 million men and women who work in the industry," said Secretary Mineta.

Americans and the American economy benefit from the imports, exports and domestic cargo shipped by truck every day, such as electronic equipment, shoes and clothing, agricultural goods, petroleum products, plastics and machine parts. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics, trucks carry 60 percent of the nation's domestic freight as measured by weight and 62 percent as measured by value. The trucking industry's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product is more than $260 billion, including both for-hire and private trucking.

In 2001, the trucking industry set the best safety record since the first recorded statistics in 1975. Fatalities in crashes involving large trucks dropped from 5,282 in 2000 to 5,082 in 2001, a 3.8 percent decrease despite a rise in the total number of people killed in highway crashes in 2001 compared with 2000.

Contact our lawyer now If you have experienced personal injuries or substantial income loss as a result of a truck accident in Maryland. Our lawyers are here to give you a free case review and to fight for you in court.

	Did You Know?
	There Are Exceptions To The Hours-Of-Service Rules. Vehicles used in ground water well-drilling operations, utility service, and transporting construction materials and equipment retain the current 24-hour restart provision. However, these drivers are required to comply with the new 10-hour off-duty and 11-hour driving limitations, as well as the prohibition on driving after the 14th hour after coming on duty.