The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is responsible for imposing and enforcing the rules and regulations that govern America’s trucking industry. One of those rules regards how many breaks and rests truck drivers are forced to take while performing their job duties. The reason is simple: truck driver fatigue is one of the major causes of trucking accidents and injuries across the United States.
A 2005 study published by the FMCSA stated that 3 out of 4 commercial truck drivers reported having experienced at least one type of driving error because of truck driver fatigue. In addition, safety studies have shown that being awake for 18 hours and driving is comparable to driving drunk.
According to FMCSA’s Hours-of-Service (HOS) requirements, truck drivers are required to rest at least 30 minutes during their first 8 hours of driving. While this rest may not be work related in any way, they can stay in their trucks. For property carrying drivers, they are also only allowed to drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. May not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 days. In addition, a 34-hour-off-duty period is required to “restart” the workweek and drivers must rest/sleep at least 2x during the times between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
This past summer, the HOS requirements were altered a bit. Drivers who travel less than 100 miles can skip the 30-minute rest breaks. Yet they must still comply with other HOA requirements.
Unfortunately, truck drivers and trucking companies routinely break the FMCSA rules and regulations regarding hours-of-service. They may drive through rest breaks, fail to sleep during designated periods, and even falsify driving logs. Sadly, their negligence can harm you or someone you love. When this happens, you need an experienced and veteran Denver trucking accident attorney on your side.
Contact Denver Truck Accident Lawyers
The experienced Denver truck accident lawyers at Denver Trial Lawyers ® have the experience and resources needed to protect injured accident victims and their families. If you or someone you love is injured in a truck accident, it is important to retain legal help immediately. Our Denver injury lawyers will review your case and help you choose the legal path that is best for you and your family.
In a free consultation, a Denver attorney at Denver Trial Lawyers ® can inform you of your rights, educate you about the legal process, and discuss how we may be able to obtain compensation for you.
