Mexico-US Deal Raises Trucking Safety Concerns
An agreement between the United States and Mexico that would allow Mexican freight trucks to operate on American highways in exchange for lower tariffs has Indiana trucking accident lawyers concerned about the impact on safety. Under the terms of the agreement, over the next three years, hundreds of Mexican trucks will be allowed to haul freight within US borders. The trucks could begin operating as early as September.
There are plenty of reasons to be concerned. For one thing, the trucking industry in Mexico is hardly as regulated as in the United States. Additionally, there are language issues involving Mexican truck drivers. The Department of Transportation says that it will require Mexican truck drivers to speak English in order to be able to read highway signs, and will subject them to alcohol and drug testing. It will also use onboard electronic monitoring devices to track drivers.
US federal trucking safety agencies struggle with inspections of the 18- wheelers that are currently operating on US interstate highways. In a situation like this, it's reasonable to be concerned about the effectiveness of the safety precautions the Department Of Transportation has in mind for Mexican trucks.
Opening up the borders could mean a veritable flood of unsafe commercial trucks. Besides, there is the question of the insurance coverage that these trucks would need to have in order to operate on our highways. In the US, trucking companies are required to maintain accident and injury liability coverage to cover expenses after an accident.
Besides, there are other dangers from widespread hijacking of trucks for drug trafficking in Mexico. It's reasonable to wonder how many of these trucks will find their way across the border.
