Driving a large truck takes a specific skill set. Truck drivers must undergo hours of training before they are licensed to take a big rig out on the road. However, all of that training means very little when a driver is suffering from fatigue.
Many studies have found that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. When truck drivers fail to give the road their full attention, catastrophic accidents can occur.
Federal regulations limit how many hours a driver can be on the road
There’s no doubt that truck drivers are under tremendous pressure to make their deliveries on time. However, federal regulations govern how long drivers can remain on the road. These regulations include:
- A 30-minute break for every eight hours spent behind the wheel
- No driving for more than 11 hours in a shift
- No driving for longer than 60-70 hours in a workweek
- No driving beyond the fourteenth hour when having 10 consecutive hours off-duty
There are certain exceptions to these rules, but drivers should always refrain from being on the road when they feel tired.
Holding negligent actors accountable
When a truck driver fails to follow federal regulations and causes an accident, it’s important to pursue accountability. A review of the driving logs can help determine if a driver was on the road for too long. The driver’s employer may also be held liable if they were demanding that a driver violate these regulations. It would help if you spoke with a skilled legal professional to determine your options for recovering compensation from a trucking accident.
