Why Are Work-Hour Limits So Important for Truck Drivers?
When a small business starts to expand its operations, it might invest in commercial vehicles. Some small businesses might even need to invest in trucks. It is important for businesses to know about the rules and regulations that surround the operation of these heavy vehicles. Driving a truck is very different from driving a car which is why there is a separate license that drivers will need to get. One of the most important regulations surrounding the operation of trucks is the work hour limits that have been put into place. The goal behind these regulations is to see a drop in the rate of truck accidents.
According to the David Boehrer Law Firm, “Cars, SUVs, and even mid-size trucks are simply no match for [the] massive size [of trucks]. As a result, the occupants in passenger vehicles are almost always the ones who suffer most.”Some of the most common injuries that people might suffer include broken bones, head injuries, and lacerations. In order to reduce the frequency of truck accidents, a significant amount of research was conducted in the field. This research found that fatigue was one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Therefore, the Department of Transportation decided to institute work hour restrictions for truck drivers.
These regulations were put into place to improve the working conditions of truck drivers by making sure they get the rest they need. This was also done to protect other people on the road who might be hurt in a truck accident, as mentioned above. The guidelines put into place for truck drivers have several standards. First, truck drivers are limited to working 60 hours spread over a period of seven consecutive days. Drivers are only allowed to be on duty for up to 14 hours after they were off duty for ten hours. During this time, drivers are only allowed to drive for 11 consecutive hours. It is important for companies to note that this seven day period will only reset once during a period of 168 consecutive hours.
These regulations are serious and the penalties for violating them can be substantial. The hour logs of truck drivers are often inspected at weight stations that people see along truck routes. While truck drivers may want to lengthen their driving times, particularly if they are paid by the mile, it is important for everyone to know that these regulations are put into place to protect everyone in the road. Small businesses need to make sure they follow these regulations appropriately.
Trucks are an important part of many small businesses across the country. It is the responsibility of businesses to protect the drivers who work for them as well as other people on the road. Truck accidents have the potential to lead to serious injuries and fatalities.
