Each day trucks cross the country to deliver goods we use on a regular basis. While much of the time their journeys are uneventful, sometimes truck accidents occur. Accordingly, certain rules have been put in place to help reduce factors that are sometimes the cause of accidents.

Truck drivers throughout the state of Pennsylvania are likely aware of changes that took affect earlier this week. On January 27, 2012, Governor Tom Corbett signed House Bill 1458. When he did so, the state came into compliance with rules regarding commercial driver's license (CDL) holders, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The law took effect January 30, 2012.

Under the new rules, CDL holders in the state of Pennsylvania, as well as throughout the country, are now required to provide the driver licensing agency with an up-to-date version of his or her Medical Examiner's Certificate. PennDOT Safety Administration Deputy Secretary indicated the requirement is an effort to ensure that all drivers of commercial vehicles are medically qualified. This is only required in cases where a physical exam is required for the commercial driving they do.

The idea behind this change is to make sure the roads throughout the country are safe. Accidents involving trucks are often some of the most catastrophic ones on the road. This is most often due to their sheer size and weight compared to other vehicles on the road. When vehicles are traveling at a high rate of speed the result can be particularly bad.

There are many potential reasons such accidents occur, including drivers sustaining medical emergencies. While this bill seeks to address only that potential cause, most would agree that anything that helps reduce the possibility of an accident occurring is a good thing.

Source: The News Eagle, "New regulations for commercial drivers to take effect Jan. 30," Jan.30, 2012