When Truck Drivers Have Accidents while Driving Overtime

24 Nov When Truck Drivers Have Accidents while Driving Overtime

Truck accidents are often attributed to fatal consequences. A truck can average over 80,000 pounds when filled with cargo. This heavy weight causes trucks to apply brakes much longer than cars and trucks. To make their money quicker, many truck drivers choose to drive past the allotted time they are supposed to. Working overtime can be the cause of many truck wrecks.

The Facts behind Truck Driver Fatigue

According to saferoads.org, truck drivers are accounted for many issues. Truck driver fatigue is a contributing factor in 30-40 percent of all truck wrecks. Every year, over 5,000 individuals are killed and over 145,000 people are injured due to truck wrecks. In 1998, 98 percent of truck wreck fatalities involved occupants of passenger cars.

Regulations on Truck Driving Hours

• Truck drivers cannot drive more than 11 cumulative hours after 10 consecutive hours of rest time. Nor can they drive for any period after 14 hours of driving after having 10 consecutive hours of rest time.
• Truck drivers cannot drive any further after driving for 60 hours in a consecutive 7-day period. This applies if the driver doesn’t operate trucks everyday.
• Truck drivers cannot drive any further after driving for 70 hours in a consecutive 8-day period.
• Truck drivers cannot drive again until 34 hours or more have passed after driving no more than 8 consecutive days.