Truck Driving While Fatigued
Truck Accident Attorney in Las Vegas, NV
As they provide us with everything from mail, food, and the vast majority of incoming resources, truck drivers are an important resource in America. That said, it’s important for America’s motor carrier servicemen and women to get a sufficient amount of rest each day.
But by the end of 2018, it has been determined that accidents involving large trucks have been rising year over year. Also, to alleviate causes, reducing driver’s fatigue has become a growing trend.
According to a survey conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA,) behind less controllable factors like driver inexperience and area familiarity, driver fatigue is a significant factor in truck collisions.
And when it comes to the federal hours of service laws, FMCSA has mandated that drivers who transport property:
- Can’t operate a vehicle for more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off the road.
- Can’t drive more than 14 consecutive hours after returning from 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Only begin a shift if less than 8 hours have passed since their last off duty period or sleeper berth.
- Are limited to driving 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.
In an age where we expect all of our packages to come on time, we should know this is due to our hardworking truck drivers.
But while America is currently experiencing a shortage of truck driver labor, managers will push drivers to their physical and mental limits so clients can get their shipments on time. And that’s breaking the rules.
If you’ve been injured by an 18-wheeler or other tractor-trailer then you need to find a personal injury attorney and explain your case.