A number of regulations apply to the operation of commercial trucks and any type of vehicle that falls under Department of Transportation regulations because of its weight or type of activity. One of the nighttime dangers with large trucks is the vehicle’s headlights.

During the day, a trucker or commercial vehicle operator can see about a quarter mile in clear conditions. However, everyone, including trucker operators, relies on their headlights at nighttime. Low-beam headlights allow a trucker to see about 250 feet ahead of the vehicle in good weather conditions, while high-beam headlights go between 350 and 500 feet.

Federal motor carrier safety regulations require a trucker to drive at a speed slow enough to come to a stop should a hazard appear on the highway or interstate ahead. This means the driver must be able to stop within the distance that their headlights shine.

So many commercial driving manuals advise truckers to use their high beams whenever possible. And if they have to use their low beams, they should adjust their speed to a lower speed because they can overdrive their headlights. And the phrase overdrive means simply that they’re driving too fast for the distance that the headlights will shine ahead of them.

It’s very important after a trucking accident that you retain an experienced trucking injury attorney as quickly as possible because the ability to gather the evidence of what the high beam or low beam position was on the truck as well as many other aspects of the accident will be forever changed or altered if time goes by. The lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp know it is critical to seek an order called a preservation order mandating that the company or commercial vehicle owner maintain the evidence without changing it until there can be an inspection arranged by an attorney from our firm. We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Why Are Nighttime Trucking Accidents More Dangerous Than Daytime Crashes?

Nighttime trucking accidents tend to be more severe due to reduced visibility, driver fatigue, and the increased likelihood of impaired driving during late hours. Truck drivers face unique challenges at night, such as difficulty judging distances, navigating poorly lit roads, and responding to unexpected obstacles. These factors can lead to delayed reaction times and an increased risk of crashes.

Fatigue is also a significant contributor to nighttime accidents. Truck drivers often work long shifts, and driving at night disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to stay alert. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs decision-making, creating a dangerous situation when combined with commercial trucks’ large size and weight.

Poor visibility at night also exacerbates the risks, making it harder to see pedestrians, other vehicles, or road hazards. Trucks with improperly functioning or misaligned headlights further decrease visibility, increasing the potential for serious collisions.

What Are the Federal Regulations Governing Nighttime Trucking?

Federal regulations aim to reduce the risks associated with nighttime trucking by setting standards for truck drivers and their vehicles. Key regulations include:

  • Hours of Service (HOS): The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limits the number of hours truck drivers can work to prevent fatigue. Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty and must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. These rules aim to ensure drivers are well-rested, particularly during nighttime shifts.
  • Lighting requirements: Federal regulations require all commercial trucks to be equipped with proper lighting, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, and reflectors. These lights must be functional and comply with FMCSA standards to ensure the truck is visible to other road users at night.
  • Reflective markings: Trucks must have reflective tape or conspicuity markings to increase visibility in low-light conditions. These markings help other drivers see the truck’s size and shape, reducing the risk of collisions.
  • Vehicle inspections: Truck drivers are required to conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure their vehicles are in safe working condition. These inspections include checking lights, brakes, and tires, which are crucial for nighttime safety.

Compliance with these regulations is critical for reducing the risks associated with nighttime trucking. However, violations or lapses in maintenance can significantly increase the likelihood of accidents.

How Do Headlights and Other Lighting Affect Nighttime Trucking Safety?

Proper use of headlights and other lighting is essential for nighttime trucking safety, as they enhance visibility and help prevent accidents. Federal regulations require trucks to use headlights at all times between sunset and sunrise or during periods of low visibility, such as rain, fog, or snow. Headlights must be properly aligned and bright enough to illuminate the road ahead without blinding other drivers.

  • High and low beams: Truck drivers must know when to use high and low beams. High beams are helpful on dark, open roads with no oncoming traffic, while low beams are required when approaching other vehicles to avoid glare.
  • Auxiliary lights: Some trucks are equipped with auxiliary lights, such as fog or driving lights, to improve visibility in adverse weather conditions. These lights should be used appropriately to enhance safety.
  • Reflective equipment: Properly maintained reflective tape and side markers are critical for ensuring that trucks are visible from all angles, particularly on poorly lit roads.

Malfunctioning or inadequate lighting can lead to severe consequences. For example, if a truck’s headlights fail or are too dim, the driver may not see hazards in time to react, or other road users may fail to see the truck, leading to collisions.

What Evidence Can Be Used to Prove Fault in a Nighttime Trucking Accident?

Proving fault in a nighttime trucking accident often requires strong evidence that demonstrates negligence or violation of regulations. Key pieces of evidence include:

  • Driver logs and HOS violations: Electronic logging devices (ELDs) track a truck driver’s hours on the road. Logs showing violations of federal Hours of Service rules can indicate that fatigue played a role in the crash.
  • Lighting and maintenance records: Evidence of malfunctioning headlights, taillights, or reflectors can point to negligence on the part of the driver or trucking company for failing to maintain the vehicle.
  • Dashcam or surveillance footage: Video recordings from dashcams, nearby businesses, or traffic cameras can provide crucial insight into the circumstances of the accident, including whether the truck’s lights were functioning.
  • Accident scene photos: Pictures of the crash site, including skid marks, debris, and lighting conditions, can help reconstruct the accident and determine contributing factors.
  • Expert analysis: Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the evidence to assess whether poor lighting, driver error, or other factors contributed to the crash.
  • Witness statements: Testimonies from other drivers, passengers, or bystanders can provide valuable information about the truck’s behavior or visibility before the accident.

How Can Your Personal Injury Law Firm Help?

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, do not try to deal with the trucking company and its insurance company on your own. Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help get you the compensation you are entitled to. We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.