What Is a Lane Change Violation in California
Lane change violations are common in the trucking industry, leading to costly fines and penalties for truckers, bus drivers, and trucking companies.
Fleets must understand the causes of lane change violations and implement strategies to prevent them. However, when a driver gets a citation, they should consult a CA traffic attorney before deciding on a resolution.
CA Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22102, Turning and Stopping and Turning Signals admonishes all drivers, “No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal…”
Then, CVC Section 22108, Turning and Stopping and Turning Signals, clarifies that “Any signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.”
How to Prevent a Lane Change Violation on I-80 Around Roseville, CA
One of the primary causes of lane change violations is smaller vehicles in the driver’s blind spot, or cutting back in front of the bus or truck after passing. This is a dangerous action by many four-wheel drivers, who don’t realize or understand the stopping distance needed by an 18-wheeler hauling 40 tons.
Also, a contributing factor could be driver fatigue. Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road, leading to drowsiness and decreased reaction times. Even the most experienced driver can have fatigue creep up on them without them knowing. Without lane-departure warnings or other gadgets onboard, they might drift out of their lane while nodding.
Trucking companies should monitor electronic logs to ensure strict compliance with the DOT FMCSA hours of service (HOS) regulations to prevent driver fatigue. Also, provide drivers with regular breaks beyond the mandatory 30-minute break after eight hours of driving if necessary. Drivers, especially novice drivers, will push themselves to the limit to drive more miles and make more money. It’s human nature.
Additionally, companies should invest in technology such as driver monitoring systems to help detect signs of fatigue in real time. Some apps can be linked to the electronic logging device (ELD) or smartphone that “watches” the driver and warns them when signs of fatigue are monitored.
Be careful to consult with your drivers about their use, as some think of them as an invasion of privacy, which, if made mandatory by the fleet, could lead to legal actions by the drivers.
Another significant cause of lane change violations is poor vehicle maintenance. Trucks that are not adequately maintained can experience steering and braking issues, making it challenging for drivers to control the vehicle and make safe lane changes.
Fleets should have a robust vehicle maintenance program to keep mechanical issues minimum. Likewise, they should ensure that all trucks are regularly inspected and repaired as needed.
Another strategy that trucking companies can use to prevent lane change violations is to use advanced technology such as lane departure warning systems and collision avoidance systems. These systems can help drivers stay alert and avoid accidents and provide valuable data that can be used to improve safety and reduce the number of lane change violations.
In conclusion, preventing lane change violations in the trucking industry requires a multi-faceted approach. Trucking companies should focus on reducing driver fatigue, ensuring proper vehicle maintenance, providing adequate driver training, implementing advanced technology, and tracking and analyzing data on lane change violations.
How to Prevent a Lane Change Violation Conviction in Placer County Traffic Court
Despite implementing all of the above, things happen on the road, and the larger, more noticeable vehicle typically gets cited for the infraction, regardless of the actual circumstances.
Fleets should ensure they have adequate systems for tracking and analyzing data on lane change violations. These precautions can help them identify patterns and trends, and they can also help them develop targeted strategies to reduce convictions.
Drivers should always consult a CA traffic attorney before paying a fine. Often, an experienced attorney can negotiate a no-point conviction instead of a moving violation in Placer County Traffic Court for a lane change violation on I-80 near Roseville, CA.
Consult Bigger & Harman About a CMV Lane Change Violation in Roseville, CA
When accused of a lane change violation around Roseville, CA, ask the legal services professionals at Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300, using our contact form or by email at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
References:
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook Copyright 2022.
CVC Section 22102 & 22108, Turning and Stopping and Turning Signals.