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Part 2: Who?s driving that semi-truck on the Interstate heading towards my family?

By Beth Janicek

On Friday, I covered Part I of Who's driving that semi-truck on the Interstate heading towards my family?, and we learned how drivers of semi-trucks out of Mexico are not regulated like the same drivers in the good old U.S.A. Well today let's talk more about what's wrong with the Mexican semi-truck rules of the road.

The U.S. Department of Transportation set Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations for U.S. trucking companies as well as Mexican trucking companies. American trucking companies engaged in international commerce must be registered with the Motor Carrier Safety Administration and must display their USDOT registration number. In addition, the companies must also meet numerous other requirements such as insurance, driver qualifications, logbook, and company safety history.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAHN9rKil_k

The requirements for Mexican trucking companies who operate within the Border Commercial Zones, an area 17 to 20 miles of the border, are generally the same as those for U.S. companies. However, over a three week period in 1997, 56 percent of 1,613 Mexican trucks inspected by U.S. Customs were placed 'out of service' because of violations.

Is it tort reform or pork reform that America needs?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBmFrYWPoG8

So what exactly are the rules that protect Texans from defective trucks coming across the border into America from Mexico? And who is responsible to make sure Americans are being protected? Let's see we work here, pay taxes here, buy insurance here, and donate to your campaigns, but which politicians are protecting us? And you say Americans don't need lawyers? Then why do all of you hire so many lawyers in Washington?

Living in Texas, I understand NAFTA and the importance of cross-border trade, however, the thought of having thousands of extra 18-wheelers on our highways makes me nervous. We already see a large amount of accidents every day, so adding more 18-wheelers that may not meet inspection seems unsafe.

And by the way who is paying for al of this extra regulation? Not me I hope.

If this bothers you call your Congressman and tell them we need jobs not promises.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding an 18-wheeler accident in Texas, please feel free to contact me. In Minnesota we recommend you call upon Mike Bryant with Bradshaw and Bryant for legal advice. In Oklahoma Noble McIntyre and Jeremy Thurman of Oklahoma-Law.com serves those with I-35 collision or accident questions. And in Iowa call Steve Lombardi, with the Lombardi Law Firm.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Beth Janicek

Full post as published by San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer on January 18, 2010 (boomark / email).