The recent truck fire in Willow Springs serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with trucking in Chicago. At Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., we concentrate in handling the aftermath of such incidents, recognizing the profound impact they can have on those involved. As details emerge about the cause of the fire, it is clear that the incident, which involved two commercial vehicles, could have had even more dire consequences. Thankfully, the driver sustained only minor injuries, a fortunate outcome given the potential for much worse.
The scene of the accident had extensive traffic disruption following the accident. As emergency services worked to clear the scene and extinguish the fire, traffic was backed up, prompting a need for alternate routes to alleviate congestion.
Such events bring to light the critical role of trucking regulation, specifically the rules governing the hours that truck drivers can be on the road. Federal regulations stipulate that truck drivers adhere to strict hours-of-service regulations to prevent fatigue-related accidents. For example, property-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Additionally, the 14-hour window rule limits drivers to not driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. These regulations are designed to keep drivers alert and to ensure the safety of all road users.