Truck Accidents Due To Inexperienced Drivers And Inadequate Training

Truck accidents often occur due to inadequate training, where drivers lack the necessary skills for safe operation, leading to critical errors in judgment and technique on the road.

If you or a loved one have been the victim of an inexperienced truck driver’s negligence, our team at Miller & Hine can help you. Get started today by contacting us at (314) 408-5708 or scheduling an appointment online.

What Are The Requirements To Drive A Heavy-Duty Truck In Missouri?

In Missouri, anyone driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) needs to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). There are three different classifications of heavy-duty vehicles that require different designations on a license, such as A, B, C.

Each truck class requires a different test to pass, but the core requirements of receiving a license remain the same. According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, prospective truckers need to:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Have a valid Missouri operator’s license.

• Meet lawful status eligibility

• Meet Missouri minimum vision standards. (At least 20/40 vision in each eye with or without glasses).

• Meet CDL Medical Certification self-certification of non-excepted or excepted transportation status category, and if applicable, submit a valid medical examiner certificate

• Study in advance by reading the CDL manual.

• Complete required knowledge testing for the class and endorsements you require for training and skills testing

• Take your CDL skills test.

How Much Training Do Drivers Need To Be Able To Drive A Heavy-Duty Truck?

The only training a Missouri truck driver needs to receive a CDL is receiving a training from a provider listed in the federal Training Provider Registry for an entry-level driver training program (ELDT), according to the Missouri Department of Revenue. This is only for prospective truckers attempting to get licensed after February 2022.

ELDT training has no required training hours and can be done entirely online, with some companies promising that you can complete ELDT theory courses in two weeks and attempt a CDL permit test in just one month.

One caveat to this lack of training required for truck drivers is that some companies provide additional training to their hired truckers, either from individuals on staff or by outsourcing training to a third-party training company. But it is not required for them to do so.

Why Do Inexperienced Drivers Cause More Accidents?

Truck drivers with minimal training are more prone to causing accidents due to their lack of familiarity with the nuances of operating heavy-duty trucks under various conditions.

Here are a few reasons why a driver’s lack of training and experience could yield an accident:

• They misjudge the required stopping distance, leading to rear-end collisions.
• They fail to properly navigate turns and lane changes, increasing the risk of jackknife or rollover accidents.
• They don’t adapt quickly to adverse weather conditions, such as snow or heavy rain, where experienced drivers would adjust their speed and following distances accordingly.
• They are not as adept at recognizing or anticipating the actions of other road users, leading to preventable crashes.

In A Truck Accident With An Inexperienced Driver? Contact Miller & Hine!

Our team of St. Louis truck accident lawyers are ready to hear your story and give you helpful advice in your trucking case. Contact us at (314) 408-5708 or book an appointment online.