Reprinted from Strategic Safety News , Vol. Congress, in recognition of the dangers associated with heavy trucks traveling on public roads, enacted the Motor Carrier Act in 1935 to regulate motor carriers responsibility for safety on interstate highways. The CDL exam tests a driver s knowledge of driving rules and safety, their understanding of air brake systems, hazardous materials handling, and pretrip inspection procedures. Centralized information is maintained in the CDL Information System, which is accessible to state motor vehicle licensing agencies.
Any deviation exposes the motor carrier and driver to liability, including punitive damages.
Drivers and carriers may be jointly and severally liable for violating the regulations. In most jurisdictions, a violation of a statute or ordinance adopted for the public s safety may constitute negligence per se and may establish the violator s civil liability, after certain requirements are met. Currently, the federal government is nearing the completion of a ten-year project to rewrite the trucking safety rules. The revised version is expected to be issued by the end of the year. However, the substance is not expected to change, and the majority of the rules will remain in place.