In 2011, the United States and Mexico signed a trade agreement that opened the border to Mexican trucks provided that they would comply with American safety and environmental regulations. Despite having this agreement, to protect the American motoring public, Mexican trucks have been reported as having a number of violations.
Unsafe Mexican Trucks Endanger the American Public
The violations included defective or missing axle parts, brake defects, cracked frames, inoperative signals, and oil leaks. The Mexican company that had the most trucks on the highway also had a vehicle maintenance record poorer than 77% of American trucking companies.
Not only does the poor maintenance of the truck endanger American motorists, but driver qualifications also play a large role in endangering American motorists as well. Driver fitness scores have been an indicator of truck drivers’ qualifications to safely operate a tractor trailers. One Mexican trucking company was cited 44 times for maintenance violations along with having a driver fitness score lower than 99% of American trucking companies.
Trade regulations require that Mexican drivers speak English fluently. This requirement insures that drivers fully understand highway signals and signs. But many of these drivers have been found unable to speak English despite these requirements.
Benny Agosto, Jr. is a partner at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in Houston, Texas. For over 65 years, Abraham Watkins has successfully represented injured people and families who fall victim to catastrophes. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience and resources necessary to obtain just compensation their clients. For more information, please contact the office of Benny Agosto, Jr. at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, by letter at 800 Commerce Street, Houston, Texas 77002, or by phone at (713) 222-7211.