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Truck Driver Fatigue / Hours Of Service
Truck driver fatigue is a significant factor in many tractor trailer vs. car, motorcycle, or other automobiles collisions. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in 2003 set the following guidelines:
- Certain truck drivers were allowed to drive 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty;
- Drivers may not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on-duty, following 10 hours off-duty;
- Similar to existing rules, drivers may not drive after being on-duty for 60 hours in a seven-consecutive-day period or 70 hours in an eight-consecutive-day period;
- This on-duty cycle may be restarted whenever a driver takes at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty;
Short-haul truck drivers have an increased on-duty period of 16 hours once during any seven-consecutive-day period.
The 16-hour exception takes into consideration legitimate business needs without jeopardizing safety.
The current rule:
- Allows ten (10) hours of driving within a 15-hour on-duty period after eight hours of off-duty time; and
- Keeps drivers from driving after their 15th hour on duty in a workday or after 60 hours on-duty in seven consecutive days or 70 hours on-duty in eight consecutive days.
The FMCSA estimates the new rule will save up to 75 lives and prevent as many as 1,326 fatigue-related truck crashes annually. Increasing pressure to deliver loads causes drivers to continue driving when they are tired and fatigued. In a recent survey, 20% of long-haul truck drivers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel.
Time limits: Statutes of limitation vary from state to state. In general, they limit the amount of time an injury victim has to file a lawsuit. Failure to timely and properly file suit within the applicable limitation period may forever bar your claim.
Missouri Tractor Trailer Crash Lawyer Contact
As an experienced semi truck attorney, I have the knowledge to discuss your truck accident. Our personal injury law firm can immediately alert our truck accident team and begin taking the same action as the truck company and their insurance company.
The consultation is free. Call me anytime at (314)322-8515 or toll free at 1-800-CAR-CRASH (1-800-227-2727). I will personally answer all of the questions and concerns you may have. There is no fee unless you recover for your personal injuries.
You can also send me an email to john@thepagefirm.com. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you through these trying times.
For an immediate response fill out ourOnline Truck Accident Contact Form.
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