Why are hazardous materials often subject to strict regulations?

Hazardous materials are often subject to strict regulations primarily to ensure safe handling and prevent accidents. These materials pose significant risks to health, safety, and the environment if not managed properly. Regulations are designed to provide guidelines for the safe transport, storage, and disposal of these substances, which helps to mitigate the potential for spills, exposure, or catastrophic incidents.

Effective regulation includes requirements for labeling, packaging, training for personnel involved in handling these materials, and emergency response protocols. By adhering to these regulations, companies can better protect their workers, the public, and the environment from the dangers associated with hazardous materials.

While minimizing costs for transportation companies, increasing competition, and promoting faster delivery might be goals of other aspects of the industry, they do not address the fundamental need for safety and risk management associated with hazardous materials.