Trucker Fatigue Rules – Accident Risk

Trucker fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents involving big rigs. However, the federal government recently reenacted controversial rules permitting truckers to drive even more hours.

These rules–which in 2003 a court found had been enacted improperly–have recently been reinstated, virtually unchanged. First of all, they raise the number of daily hours that a trucker may drive from 10 to 11. Also, they change the rules regarding how much a trucker may drive each week. It permits up to 60 hours of driving in a single 7-day period, half as much again as the standard 40-hour workweek.

As you might imagine, the trucking industry is delighted with the change. Due to it permitting the movement of the same volume of goods with fewer drivers. Finally, what effect these changes will have on the number of trucking accidents remains to be seen.

Fatigued Truckers: Deadly Consequences

Why just drinking a hot coffee or turning up the volume on the radio might not work… Follow these tips to help prevent driver fatigue. They’re provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Finally, if you have been a victim of a traffic accident, and you are unsure whether or not you should hire a personal injury lawyer, contact Joey Messina at Messina Law Firm to find out. It’s always free to contact our legal staff.

Also, if you prefer, submit your case online by clicking here.