There are a plethora of reasons that accidents occur on the road. Accident causes can range from poorly constructed roadways, to inclement weather, to distracted driving. However, of the factors that contribute to truck accidents, truck driver fatigue is a major concern in the trucking industry. Driver fatigue is a primary cause of 1/3 of all road related accidents in the United States. Lack of sleep and long hours behind the wheel can lead to impaired judgment and slow reaction time to hazards in the roadway.
What has been done to address the issue of truck driver fatigue?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has established Hours of Service rules that must be followed by all trucking companies in the industry. The goal of the rules is to prevent fatigued drivers from taking the wheel. The following regulations are:
- The maximum time a truck driver may travel is 11 hours consecutively.
- A truck driver cannot work more than 14 hours consecutively while on duty.
- A truck driver must log 10 hours of rest while off duty.
- A truck driver may not drive more than 60 hours per 7 days on duty.
- A truck driver may not drive more than 70 hours per 8 days on duty.
While these regulations are helping to reduce fatigue related accidents, the government is still continuing work on modifying the rules to protect truck drivers and motorists on the road.
How can a lawyer help me?
Personal injury attorneys have experience in handling trucking accidents. A lawyer can help you determine issues such as liability and the value of your claim. If you have been injured in a truck related accident, please call Graham & Mauer, P.C. today.
Sources:
Hours of Service: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations
Optalert: http://www.optalert.com/news/driver-fatigue-symptoms-cause-and-effects
Picture: Macktrucks.com
This image is a dramatization. This article is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, call Graham & Mauer, P.C. today.