Reporting An Unsafe Truck Driver in Tennessee

Posted in Truck Accidents on February 20, 2023

Drivers who operate large commercial trucks have an incredibly important job. Not only are they responsible for delivering goods across the country, but they also are responsible for ensuring the safe operation of vehicles that are magnitudes larger than traditional passenger cars. When a truck driver operates unsafely, it may be necessary to report them. Unsafe driving creates potential for a serious truck accident in Nashville. Here, we want to discuss the process of reporting an unsafe truck driver in Tennessee.

Call 911 for an Emergency Situation

If you notice an unsafe truck driver on the roadway, your first option should be to call 911 and report the incident. By calling 911 to report an unsafe truck driver, you may end up saving lives. Law enforcement can attempt to get to the area quickly to stop any reckless driving behavior.

We do not recommend anyone using their phone if doing so would put them in an unsafe situation. If individuals can safely use a hands-free device to dial 911, they can do so. Alternatively, drivers may need to try and remember as much information as possible about the truck and the driver and then pull over to a safe location to call 911.

When you speak to the emergency dispatcher, let them know as much information as possible about the driver and your location. The dispatcher will need to know the following if you can remember it:

  • The location and direction the truck is going
  • The make and model of the truck
  • Any company names written on the side or rear of the truck
  • The license plate number for the truck
  • Any physical descriptors of the driver or truck
  • A description of the reckless driving behavior you witnessed

We cannot stress enough how important it is for you not to attempt to follow the reckless truck driver. When individuals try to take these situations into their own hands, it significantly increases the danger not only to themselves but others on the roadway. Relay the information you gathered to law enforcement officials and let them handle the situation from there.

Non-Emergency Options for Reporting a Driver

There are various non-emergency options for reporting a dangerous truck driver on the roadway.

Calling the Company

It is not uncommon for most trucking companies and even independent owner-operators to have signs on their vehicle with phone numbers and a question that asks, “How’s my driving?” 

If you feel comfortable doing so, you can dial that number and report the incident to the trucking company. In many cases, truck companies have hundreds of vehicles on the roadway, and they use this information to help make safety decisions regarding certain drivers. There is no guarantee that anything will happen after you make this report, but it may do some good and require the company to take action.

Calling the FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the government entity responsible for ensuring the safe operation of truck drivers and trucking companies throughout the country. Professional truck drivers and trucking companies are required to adhere to U.S. Department of Transportation rules and regulations enforced by the FMCSA.

If you wish to report dangerous driving behaviors to the FMCSA, you can do so in a few different ways. You can call the DOT’s hotline at 1-888-368-7238 or 1-888-DOT-SAFT, or you can make a complaint online.