As anyone who has driven at night has observed, commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks are usually fitted with a plethora of reflectors and lights designed to help other motorists determine their size and location. The issue of ensuring that semis are visible and recognizable to other motorists is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) through its “Conspicuity Requirements.” When truckers or trucking companies ignore or otherwise fail to comply with these regulations, the results can be tragic. People injured in accidents involving trucks that were difficult to see may be entitled to substantial compensation, and should have their case reviewed by a Peachtree City truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
The FMSCA mandates that semi-truck trailers comply with certain specific requirements regarding their conspicuity. These rules are intended to reduce the risk of motorists colliding with truck trailers at night or in other poor visibility conditions. The rules allow trailer manufacturers to install either red and white reflective sheeting or reflex reflectors at certain locations. These locations include:
- Side of the Trailer – The sides of a tractor-trailer must have either reflex reflectors or reflective sheeting installed horizontally, starting and ending as close to the front and the back of the trailer as possible. The sum of the length of the segments must be at least half the length of the trailer and they must be places as evenly as practicable.
- Upper Rear Area of the Trailer – Two pairs of reflectors or reflective sheeting each a foot long must be placed horizontally and vertically on the right and left of the upper corners of the rear body of the truck’s trailer.
- Lower Rear Area of the Trailer – Trailers are required to have reflective sheeting or reflex reflectors running across the bottom edge of the trailer, extending as close to the extreme edges as possible.
There are other technical requirements that affect trailer conspicuity, and it is important to have the circumstances of your case reviewed by an attorney familiar with the FMCSA regulations. Any noncompliance with these regulations may be sufficient to allow a victim of an accident to recover for their losses.
Contact a Peachtree City truck accident attorney for a free consultation
Truck drivers or trucking companies that do not comply with FMCSA regulations put the general public at risk and should be held accountable. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced truck accident attorneys, call Shane Smith Law today at (980) 246-2656.