What to Know About Trucking Hour Regulations
Driver fatigue is a widespread and dangerous problem that causes numerous accidents each year. Trucking companies and their drivers are governed by state and federal regulations designed to prevent these accidents, such as limiting the number of hours per day that a trucker is allowed to drive.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation is the main federal agency responsible for regulating the trucking industry. They establish rules that restrict the number of hours a trucker may legally drive in a day. If a trucker exceeds these hours of service, the company may be open to liability in an injury lawsuit.
If you were injured in a truck accident, contact Richard Schwartz & Associates at (601) 988-8888 to schedule a free consultation.
How Many Hours Can a Trucker Drive Each Day?
FMCSA “Hours of Service” regulations for truck drivers:
- Property-carrying drivers may drive up to a maximum of 11 hours. The 11 hours is only permissible after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Passenger-carrying drivers may drive up to a maximum of 10 hours. The 10 hours is only permissible after 8 consecutive hours off duty.
- The maximum driving hours may be extended by up to 2 hours in adverse driving conditions.
Additionally, a property-carrying driver is prohibited from driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour of coming on duty, while a passenger-carrying driver may not drive beyond the 15th consecutive hour of coming on duty. These restrictions are designed to protect both the driver and others on the road.
What Happens If Truck Drivers Do Not Comply with the Regulations?
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), fatigued driving is a “known crash risk.” Studies show that many drivers fail to comply with the hours of service regulations, working longer hours and leading to more fatigue on the road. Unfortunately, many of the accidents caused as a result of truck driver fatigue are preventable.
If you were injured in a truck accident, you need to consult with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help to subpoena safety and driving logs to determine whether the driver violated state or federal regulations. Truckers that routinely disregard these requirements put everyone on the road at risk for injury or death. They or their employer must be held accountable.
Were You Injured in a Trucking Accident? Contact Our Office.
At Richard Schwartz & Associates, our lawyers represent individuals who have been seriously injured in trucking accidents throughout Mississippi. We know what it takes to hold trucking companies accountable for their wrongdoing. Too often, these companies put profit over the safety of everyone on the road. You should not have to pay for their wrongdoing.
Were you injured in a trucking accident in Mississippi? Contact our office at (601) 988-8888 to schedule a free consultation. It only takes one call to get started on your road to recovery. Let us help you get the recovery you deserve after a trucking accident. Do not try to go it alone. You could end up settling your case for less than it is worth. Call now to get started.
