Many semi-trucks are driven through Ohio, delivering the foods and goods residents need. When these large trucks drive on the roadways alongside smaller passenger cars and motorcycles, however, the results can be disastrous. There are many factors that come into play when an accident occurs, such as hours of service. Gone are the days when truck drivers were forced to work long hours. There are now limits to prevent truck driver fatigue, which is a common cause of crashes. But, truck accidents are still common.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has regulations for truck driver conduct. These federal trucking regulations govern many aspects of the trucking industry, including hours of service. This is because many trucking companies pay drivers per mile driven, which could encourage many drivers to drive non-stop for most of the day to earn more money. Now, laws prohibit this because drivers are apt to become tired and less able to drive safely.
For the most part, truck drivers that carry property, not passengers, are limited to 11 consecutive hours if they have had at least 10 consecutive hours off. Even after taking a break, a driver cannot drive beyond 14 consecutive hours beginning from the start of the shift. So, if the driver began at 6 a.m., his shift must end by 8 p.m. that same day. Rest breaks are enforced, with drivers mandated to take a 30-minute break at least every eight hours. There is also the 60/70 rule, which limits a driver to 60 hours of work in seven days and 70 hours of work in eight days. After these limits have been met, the driver must be given at least 34 consecutive hours off work.
Those injured in a truck accident may need to move quickly to preserve their legal rights. It can be crucial to preserve evidence.
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, "Summary of Hours of Service Regulations," accessed March 8, 2015
No Comments