Why CDL mills are putting drivers at risk on Indiana highways
Commercial trucks move billions of dollars in freight across Indiana every year, powering the state’s manufacturing, agriculture, and distribution economy. But behind that essential work is a growing safety crisis. Federal regulatory loopholes are allowing undertrained drivers to obtain Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), putting Hoosier families at risk on highways throughout the state.
According to national data, roughly 100,000 truck accidents occur each year in the U.S., causing nearly 5,000 deaths. A significant portion of these tragedies stem from inadequate driver training – a problem that has worsened since a major federal regulatory shift in 2022.
A dangerous change in CDL rules
In February 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) introduced a self-certification system for CDL training providers. Instead of requiring programs to hold state licenses and meet strict curriculum requirements, the agency now allows virtually anyone or any company to register as a “training provider” without proof of qualifications.
This created two starkly different pathways:
- Traditional, state-licensed CDL schools offering robust, 160-hour training programs
- Self-certified CDL “mills,” many offering only a few hours of instruction – or none at all
The result? More than 32,000 self-certified CDL trainers now exist nationwide, compared to only about 2,100 legitimate state-licensed programs.
Indiana deepened the problem. After the federal registry launched, the state dropped its own oversight of CDL schools, effectively creating a regulatory vacuum. Without state licensing requirements, substandard training operations have flourished.
The safety impact on Indiana highways
The consequences have been felt across the country – and here at home. Federal data shows a 40% increase in truck-related fatalities since 2014, with more than 5,400 deaths in 2023 alone. Similar numbers are expected for 2024.
Indiana sees its share of these devastating crashes, including:
- Jackknife accidents on during heavy traffic or bad weather
- Underride collisions involving fatigued or undertrained drivers
- Multi-vehicle pileups caused by delayed reaction times
- Catastrophic rear-end crashes around major distribution hubs like Fort Wayne
In evaluations conducted by 160 Driving Academy, almost half of the experienced drivers tested couldn’t score above 50% on proficiency exams, a level that would eliminate them from consideration at companies with strong safety standards.
Why this matters for Indiana truck accident cases
For injury victims in Indiana, these training failures directly affect liability. In many cases, a trucking company may be responsible for:
- Negligent hiring
- Negligent training
- Negligent supervision
- Failure to comply with FMCSA standards
- Using substandard or unlicensed CDL mills
On Indiana roadways where speeds are high and traffic is dense, the consequences of poor training are immediate and often catastrophic.
Fixing the CDL loophole
Potential solutions will most likely require a combination of federal oversight, state regulation, and industry commitment to higher standards. Key reforms include:
- Requiring all federally listed training providers to prove state licensing
- Restoring state-level oversight in Indiana
- Increasing enforcement of training requirements
- Imposing penalties on companies or schools that falsely certify training
Proper training saves lives. Indiana drivers deserve to share the road with fully qualified professionals – not CDL holders who slipped through a broken system.
Get an experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer on your side
When a truck crash on I-69, I-469, U.S. 30, or any Indiana roadway leaves you injured and overwhelmed, you need a legal team that knows how to uncover the truth about driver training, licensing, and safety violations.
The Indiana truck accident attorneys at Boughter Sinak, LLC have a reputation for coming out swinging for Hoosiers hurt by negligent trucking companies. We dig deep into driver logs, training history, black box data, and company practices to expose dangerous shortcuts and hold carriers fully accountable.
With millions recovered for injured clients – including a $2.7 million settlement in which liability was hotly contested – our firm knows how to build powerful cases and fight for maximum results.
Don't let a trucking company or its insurer downplay your injuries or hide misconduct. Put a proven fighter on your side and contact us today for a free consultation. Learn how our legal team can build a strong case and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
"Boughter Sinak, LLC provided exceptional legal representation for us after my husband's accident. Our attorney, Robert, and their team were professional, empathetic, and thorough. They achieved a great settlement for my husband's injuries, and we are incredibly grateful. Highly recommended!" - Angela M., ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐