Being a commercial driver comes with irregular schedules and spending long hours on the road.
Most times, this often results in fatigue, which can increase the risk of a truck accident. This can be disastrous for everyone on the road.
The Hours of Service Regulations (HOS) is a federal law that applies to all truck drivers. This law aims to reduce the risk of truck accidents caused by drowsiness or fatigue.
If you or your loved one is a victim of a truck accident, then you should take immediate action by consulting the top semi-truck accident attorneys. They can help you recover fair compensation for your losses.
What Are the HOS Regulations?
The Hours of Service regulations were established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to limit the number of hours truck drivers can operate without taking a rest. They were devised to ensure that truck drivers don’t operate vehicles while battling fatigue.
HOS Regulations for Truck Drivers Carrying Cargo
- Truck drivers are allowed to drive a maximum of 11 hours only after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Truck drivers must complete all driving and work tasks within 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty.
- Truck drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving on the road without a break.
- Truck drivers must have a maximum of 60 hours on duty over 7 consecutive days or a 34-hour restart.
- A truck driver must have a maximum of 70 hours on duty over 8 consecutive days.
HOS Regulations for Commercial Drivers Carrying Passengers
- Drivers are allowed to drive a maximum of 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty.
- Drivers must not drive after 15 consecutive hours on duty, even after taking breaks.
- A maximum of 60 hours on duty over 7 consecutive days.
- Truck drivers are given a maximum of 70 hours on duty over 8 consecutive days.
- Unlike property-carrying drivers, passenger-carrying drivers are not allowed to reset their weekly hours with a 34-hour off-duty period.
The Impact of Driver Fatigue on Road Safety
Being drowsy while driving is a very serious issue among truck drivers. Drowsiness of drivers is one of the leading causes of the rapid increase in truck accidents today. Driving a commercial truck for hours, especially during a long haul, can lead to fatigue due to the uniqueness and the peculiar nature of the job.
Imagine having to work at odd hours, such as night shifts, driving alone, and sitting down for hours at the wheel without having a proper meal.
All of these can significantly impact the health of the driver, which can ultimately result in health challenges that will not only cause fatigue but also other medical conditions such as obesity (since they are always eating junk food on the go, with only a few minutes to rest), sleep apnea, or diabetes.
How HOS Regulations Reduce Accidents
- It helps in preventing fatigue among truck drivers: Restricting the consecutive driving hours for truck drivers will help them to reduce exhaustion and improve their alertness on the road. It also promotes healthy driving habits, making the roads a safer place for everyone.
- It encourages rest and recovery: The mandatory breaks and off-duty periods are to ensure that truck drivers have time to recover before returning to the road.
- It promotes accountability: The introduction of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to truck drivers can help monitor their compliance with HOS rules and reduce the likelihood of violations that lead to accidents. ELDs also come in handy in determining liability in the event of a truck accident.
