Truck driving can be an exhausting profession. It requires drivers to be on the road for long hours and at strange times. The number of hours a trucker can drive is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, but many drivers figure out ways to falsify information and blow past these regulations. They have a number of incentives for doing so. Truck drivers are employed by large trucking companies that pressure them to meet deadlines, even if it means driving while exhausted. Additionally, most drivers are paid by the hour, encouraging them to work longer and earn more money. When truck drivers operate longer than they are supposed to and do not get enough sleep, they become dangerous to themselves and everyone else driving around them. Fatigued drivers are not good drivers and the chances of an accident occurring increases greatly.
Accidents involving large commercial vehicles are often devastatingly disastrous. The large size and power of the vehicles enable them to be very destructive against passenger vehicles. The result of a trucking accident could leave victims in physical pain, emotional distress, and with expensive medical bills. If you were injured in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The attorneys of the Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd. understand how overwhelming it can be to recover from a serious accident. Compensation may not be able to fix your injuries, but it can take away the financial burden so that you and your family can focus on healing.
Hours of Service Regulations
As previously stated, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration outlines the regulations that truck drivers must follow. These regulations are as follows:
- Drivers may not drive over a maximum of 11 hours after a consecutive ten hours off-duty
- Drivers may not drive beyond 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty. Off-duty time does not extend the 14 hours
- Drivers may drive only if eight hours or less has passed since the end of a driver’s last off-duty or sleep period of at least 30 minutes.
- Drivers may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days.
- Drivers must take at least eight consecutive hours to sleep, plus an additional two consecutive hours off-duty
Hours of Service Regulations exist to keep truck drivers and those around them safe while on the road. When these regulations are not followed, drivers are neglecting their responsibility and the lives of those around them.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love has been injured by a negligent and fatigued truck driver, contact one of the qualified attorneys at the Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd. We have the experience and knowledge needed to represent you at every stage of the legal process and get you the compensation you need. To discuss the details of your case, contact our office at (401) 751-8855 today.
