Fatigued driving is a big safety concern, especially in the world of trucking. To reduce accidents caused by driver exhaustion, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has set Hours of Service (HOS) rules, limiting the number of hours a truck driver can work.
For truck accident victims, understanding these rules is key. A truck accident attorney can find out if HOS violations caused the crash and help in seeking compensation.
The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP is one of the best when it comes to dealing with all types of motor vehicle accidents, not just truck accidents. The firm has had considerable success in winning fair compensation for truck accident victims, with the most notable ones being $10 million and $7.3 million.
Here’s how HOS regulations help avoid accidents due to driver fatigue and keep roads safer.
Establishing Daily and Weekly Driving Limits
HOS regulations provide restrictions on how long drivers can operate their vehicles. These restrictions are mentioned below.
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: A driver can drive for a maximum of 11 hours but only after a 10-consecutive-hour off-duty break. This ensures drivers get adequate rest before getting back on the road.
- 14-Hour Workday Limit: Drivers cannot work beyond 14 consecutive hours, even if they take breaks during that time. This prevents long and exhausting shifts.
Requiring Mandatory Rest Breaks
HOS has regulations for breaks in operation to reduce fatigue. A driver shall have a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. This rejuvenates the driver, enabling them to stay focused on the road ahead. These breaks allow time to eat, stretch, or rest and help drivers restart both mentally and physically.
With mandatory breaks, drivers are less likely to operate under impaired judgment and get into an accident.
Enforcing Weekly Off-Duty Periods
HOS regulations limit how many hours a driver can work within a week. This is called the 60/70-hour rule. Under this rule, the driver may not operate their vehicle for more than 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days. Once they reach these limits, they must take at least 34 consecutive hours off (a reset period) before starting another workweek.
This reset period ensures drivers have enough time to rest after several days of work, helping prevent fatigue-related issues.
Using Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for Compliance
The FMCSA mandates the use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track driving hours accurately. These devices automatically record:
- The number of hours driven
- Off-duty periods
- Breaks taken
ELDs reduce the likelihood of falsified records and ensure that drivers and employers comply with HOS regulations. This accountability is vital for maintaining road safety and minimizing fatigue-related crashes.
Balancing Safety with Flexibility
HOS rules provide certain exceptions to account for unforeseen circumstances, such as bad weather or traffic congestion. For instance:
- Drivers are allowed a 2-hour extension to the existing limits to accommodate unexpected delays.
- The split-sleeper berth rule allows drivers to split their 10-hour off-duty period into two segments, offering flexibility while ensuring they get adequate rest.
These provisions aim to strike a balance between maintaining safety and addressing real-world challenges that drivers face.
Impact of HOS Regulations on Fatigue and Road Safety
By enforcing structured driving hours and rest periods, HOS regulations significantly reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents.
According to the FMCSA, these rules have helped decrease crashes involving large trucks and buses by promoting driver alertness.
However, critics argue that tight schedules and pressure from employers can still push drivers to work longer hours, making continued enforcement and technological innovations like ELDs essential for the regulations’ success.
