Truck accidents are a major concern across the United States, with over 5,000 people dying in large truck crashes each year. In Mississippi specifically, around 130 people are killed annually in crashes involving large trucks like 18-wheelers and dump trucks. While truck drivers and companies should follow safety protocols, the high number of trucking accidents in Mississippi also points to the need for thorough truck inspections by law enforcement and other regulators.
The Role of Truck Inspections in Preventing Accidents
Regular truck inspections serve a vital purpose in helping enforce regulations and remove unsafe vehicles and drivers from the road. Inspections can identify mechanical defects, maintenance issues, overloaded trucks, and driver violations. Key inspection programs include:
- Roadside inspections – Performed by law enforcement, often supported by state truck inspectors. Checks brakes, tires, weight loads, and compliance with regulations.
- Terminal inspections – Conducted at trucking company terminals by authorized inspectors. Reviews recordkeeping, paperwork, and vehicle condition.
- New entrant safety audits – Required visits for new trucking companies to confirm compliance with regulations.
- Compliance reviews – Comprehensive investigation of trucking company’s operations and safety management.
Strict enforcement of trucking regulations through these thorough inspections is important. Trucks with brake defects, balding tires, disconnected lights, and other mechanical issues can be deadly when driving alongside smaller passenger vehicles. Overloaded trucks also pose a higher risk for rollovers and bridge collapses. Removing unsafe rigs and unqualified drivers helps prevent crashes.
Common Violations Found During Mississippi Truck Inspections
In reviewing Mississippi’s truck inspection statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, some frequent violations stand out:
- Brake systems – Issues like loose brakes, cracks in brake pads, and air leaks were found in over 30% of truck inspections in Mississippi. Faulty brakes significantly increase stopping distances.
- Tires – Bald tires and tire tread depth violations were discovered in 20% of inspections. Worn tires are more prone to blowouts and skids.
- Load securement – Unsecured cargo was cited in 15% of cases. Loose cargo can shift and fall onto the road.
- Lighting – About 10% of inspections found non-working lights. Broken turn signals, brake lights, and headlights make the truck harder to see.
Catching these violations through truck inspections is important to get the problems fixed before an accident occurs.
Inspection Statistics for Mississippi
According to FMCSA data for 2021:
- 13,401 roadside inspections were conducted on trucks in Mississippi.
- 23% of these inspections found violations significant enough to put the truck out of service.
- Brake issues were the top vehicle violation.
- 10% of driver inspections led to the driver being placed out of service, commonly for hours-of-service violations.
These statistics demonstrate how frequently major deficiencies are identified during truck inspections in the state. Thousands of unsafe trucks and unqualified drivers are removed from Mississippi’s roads each year as a result.
Challenges in Mississippi’s Truck Inspection Program
While Mississippi does conduct safety inspections, there are gaps that limit their effectiveness:
- Staffing shortages – With only 136 truck inspectors, inspections cover less than 2% of large trucks operating in the state. Higher staff levels are needed to increase that coverage.
- Weak fines – Average fines for violations are low, at just $850 per offense. Larger fines would increase the financial incentive for companies to comply.
- Outdated inspection facilities – Many inspection sites lack the space, equipment, and staff to thoroughly inspect larger volumes of trucks. Upgrading these facilities is important.
Boosting funding for added inspectors, tougher fines, new inspection sites, and technology improvements would optimize Mississippi’s truck inspection capabilities. More in-depth enforcement of regulations would reduce the number of unsafe trucking companies and drivers on the state’s roadways.
How Inspections Prevent Specific Truck Crash Risks
When truck inspections are strengthened, they help address some of the most common factors in accidents:
- Fatigued drivers – Devices can track driver hours. Strict hours of service enforcement removes exhausted drivers before a crash occurs.
- Impaired drivers – Inspections allow drug tests and checks for alcohol use. Keeping intoxicated big rig drivers off the road is crucial for safety.
- Poor maintenance – Thorough terminal and roadside inspections identify defective brakes, tires, and other components needing repair.
- Unsecured loads – Visual checks of cargo tie downs and weight limits help prevent dangerous shifting loads.
- Inexperienced drivers – Reviews of driver records, licenses, training, and skills weed out high-risk operators.
Using inspections to target these problem areas makes Mississippi’s trucking industry safer.
Partnering with Law Enforcement for Enhanced Truck Safety
To maximize inspections and prevent truck crashes across Mississippi, police can partner with state truck inspectors. Specific strategies include:
- Conducting joint inspections at weigh stations and rest areas.
- Having police pull over and inspect trucks with obvious safety issues while on patrol.
- Focusing inspections on common high-risk violations like hours limits.
- Planning targeted enforcement events during peak accident times like major holidays.
- Using safety technology like electronic weigh scales to improve efficiency.
- Ensuring stronger fines and penalties for inspection violations.
With thousands of trucks on Mississippi’s roads, beefed up enforcement by both law enforcement and state truck inspectors is essential to reduce preventable truck crashes through comprehensive safety inspections.
Consulting a Truck Accident Lawyer for Injury Claims
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a truck collision in Mississippi, contact our seasoned truck accident lawyers to pursue a claim for damages. An attorney can investigate factors like truck maintenance records, the driver’s background, trucking company policies, and past violation history that may reveal important causes of your accident.
The legal team at Monge & Associates has extensive experience handling truck injury claims, with over 32 offices in 19 states, including Mississippi, Ohio, and South Carolina. Call (888) 477-0597 for a free case review to learn your legal options.
By holding negligent parties fully accountable, we obtain maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our goal is to promote truck safety practices that help prevent these tragic accidents from harming others in the future. Additional outreach and education for both trucking companies and the public on inspection programs and their lifesaving impact would further strengthen Mississippi’s commitment to reducing truck crash deaths and injuries.