When a trucking company cuts corners on safety, it puts every Texan at risk
Every year, around 100,000 truck crashes occur on American highways, claiming nearly 5,000 lives. In Texas, where major freight routes such as I-35, I-20, and I-30 connect Fort Worth to the rest of the country, the risk is particularly high.
Large commercial trucks move much of the state’s economy, but when the people behind the wheel are not properly trained, the results can be devastating. A Dallas-Fort Worth truck accident lawyer often sees firsthand how these crashes change lives in an instant and how many of them are truly preventable.
A growing safety issue in the trucking industry is now drawing national attention. A loophole in federal law has allowed unqualified drivers to enter the profession through poorly regulated training programs. These programs, often called “CDL mills,” churn out commercial drivers who lack the skills and knowledge needed to operate vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds.
The result of this deregulation is clear on Texas roads. The combination of undertrained drivers and high-volume freight traffic poses a public safety threat to everyone who shares the highway. For victims of serious truck wrecks, the consequences can last a lifetime, highlighting why experienced legal help is so critical.
The rise of "CDL mills"
In February 2022, a major regulatory shift changed the way commercial driver’s licenses are issued nationwide. Before that, aspiring truck drivers trained through state-licensed schools that required extensive classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Those standards helped ensure that new drivers understood safety protocols, load limits, and vehicle handling before taking control of a tractor-trailer.
The new rule replaced much of that oversight with a federal “self-certification” system. This change allowed nearly anyone to register as a CDL training provider without state licensing or proof of credentials. Since then, more than 32,000 self-certified schools have appeared across the country, compared to just 2,100 state-approved training programs.
This shift has turned professional truck driver training into a volume business. Some of these so-called schools provide only a few hours of classroom instruction or even video tutorials before sending students to the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain their licenses. The result is a driver who is licensed to operate a massive vehicle but has little real understanding of how to do it safely.
Unqualified truck drivers are a threat to everyone on Texas roads
When a commercial driver lacks proper training, the risks extend far beyond the truck cab. Every motorist in Fort Worth and throughout Texas depends on professional drivers to follow safety standards, maintain control, and make sound decisions under pressure. Inexperienced drivers who receive inadequate instruction are more likely to commit critical errors that lead to catastrophic accidents.
These errors can take several forms, each with serious consequences for the people around them. The most common include:
- Misjudging braking distances: Tractor-trailers require far more time and space to stop than passenger vehicles, especially at highway speeds or when carrying heavy loads.
- Losing control during turns or lane changes: Drivers unfamiliar with a truck’s blind spots or turning radius can cause sideswipe or rollover crashes.
- Overloading or mismanaging cargo: A poorly balanced trailer or unsecured freight can make even routine maneuvers dangerous.
- Failing to understand road signs or traffic laws: Inadequate instruction and language barriers can lead to confusion and poor decision-making.
These mistakes increase the chance of a life-altering collision. When an undertrained driver causes a crash, an attorney can investigate whether the driver received proper training and whether the company that hired them ignored safety obligations. A detailed review of driver training records and hiring policies often reveals negligence that can significantly affect a victim’s recovery.
The cost of deregulation
The deregulation of CDL training was meant to address a driver shortage in the trucking industry. Instead, it created a system that values speed over safety. By allowing unqualified trainers to flood the market, the government has unintentionally put thousands of inexperienced drivers on the road. For Texas, one of the busiest freight states in the country, that has meant more serious truck accidents and more families left picking up the pieces after preventable tragedies.
This problem also has legal implications. Trucking companies that hire drivers from unverified or unlicensed programs may be liable for negligent hiring or supervision if a crash occurs. When a driver is not properly trained, that failure often points back to the company’s lack of oversight. In these cases, a truck accident lawyer can help victims hold negligent parties accountable and recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
The solution is not simple, but it begins with awareness and accountability. Until federal and state regulators strengthen training requirements, Texas drivers must remain vigilant, and those harmed by unsafe truck operations should know that they have legal rights and options.
Taking action after a serious truck wreck in Texas
Truck accidents caused by poorly trained drivers are rarely just accidents. They are the predictable result of a system that prioritizes profit over public safety. Victims who suffer serious injuries deserve to know what went wrong and who is responsible. An attorney with experience handling commercial vehicle cases can investigate training records, hiring practices, and safety compliance to build a strong case.
Acting quickly is essential. Important evidence, including driver logs, black box data, and company records, can disappear quickly. Consulting a lawyer as soon as possible helps preserve this information and ensures the claim is filed within strict legal deadlines.
Texans don’t take chances. Texans take control. When a trucking company’s shortcuts lead to a devastating crash, victims can take control by pursuing justice with our law firm.
For anyone injured in a truck wreck in Fort Worth, Dallas, or anywhere in North Texas, Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., offers experienced representation and a proven track record of results.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and protect your rights. We can help you take the first step toward accountability, recovery, and peace of mind.
"Coby Wooten did a great job helping me and my kids after the huge wreck we were in. Thanks to him, we got justice." - Daniel F., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐