In Houston, commercial truck drivers help transport goods, weaving through states and cities to ensure that markets remain well-stocked and businesses operate without hitches. These large vehicles, from towering semi-trucks to robust tractor-trailers, are the lifeblood of the country's supply chain.

The concern escalates when considering the involvement of these vehicles in fatal accidents. Large trucks are implicated in nine percent of all vehicles involved in deadly crashes. The year 2021 alone witnessed about 5,700 large trucks embroiled in fatal accidents. Alarmingly, the majority of fatalities in such incidents are not the truck drivers but rather the occupants of other motor vehicles, who represent the overwhelming majority of lives lost in these tragic accidents.

With commercial truck occupants accounting for only about 16 percent of these fatalities, the disproportionate impact on non-commercial drivers calls for a closer examination of the factors contributing to such outcomes, including the critical aspect of truck driver fatigue and regulations governing hours of service.

Regulations Designed To Increase Safety

The safety of commercial trucking operations in the United States is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which has established Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These rules are designed to reduce driver fatigue, a major contributing factor to large truck accidents.

● 11-Hour Driving Limit. Truck drivers cannot drive for over 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

● 14-Hour Limit. Truck drivers are not permitted to drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. This rule limits the workday, ensuring drivers have adequate rest.

● 30-Minute Driving Break. Drivers must take a 30-minute break when they have driven for 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption.

● 60/70-Hour Limit. This rule limits a driver's hours on duty over 7 or 8 consecutive days. Drivers are not allowed to drive after 60 hours on duty over 7 consecutive days or 70 hours on duty over 8 consecutive days. A driver may restart a 7/8 consecutive day after taking 34 or more hours off duty.

● Sleeper Berth Provision. The regulations allow drivers to split their required 10 hours off duty into two periods. One off-duty period is at least 2 hours long, and the other involves at least 7 consecutive hours spent in the sleeper berth. Both periods must add up to at least 10 hours, and when combined, neither period counts against the 14-hour driving window.

These regulations are enforced through electronic logging devices (ELDs), which automatically record driving time to ensure compliance. ELDs have been mandatory in most commercial trucks since December 2017 to improve the accuracy of HOS reporting and reduce the likelihood of log falsification.

Rules Relating To Hours Of Service

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has set forth specific Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of commercial truck drivers and other road users. These rules aim to prevent driver fatigue, a significant factor in large truck accidents. Below is an in-depth look at some of the key HOS rules:

Driving Window of 14 Hours

The 14-hour driving window is the allotted time frame for a truck driver to complete up to 11 hours of driving. This window begins when the driver starts any work (driving, loading/unloading cargo, vehicle inspections, etc.) and continues for 14 consecutive hours.

Once the 14-hour limit is reached, the driver must take 10 consecutive hours off duty before being allowed to drive again. Importantly, the 14-hour window includes driving time and any other working hours. This means that non-driving activities such as loading or paperwork, if performed, do not extend the 14 hours.

11-Hour Driving Limit

Within the 14-hour driving window, a driver can drive for 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty. To help drivers remain alert, the FMCSA mandates a 30-minute rest break if more than 8 consecutive hours have passed since the last off-duty period of at least 30 minutes. This break can be satisfied by any non-driving period of at least 30 minutes (e.g., meal breaks).

Weekly Driving Limits

These rules limit the total driving and on-duty time over a rolling period. Drivers are subject to a maximum of 60 hours on duty over 7 consecutive days or 70 hours over 8 consecutive days. Once this limit is reached, drivers must rest 34 consecutive hours off duty to reset their weekly on-duty hours.

The 34-hour restart provision allows drivers to reset their 60/70-hour calculation period. This rest must include two periods from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. to ensure drivers can obtain restorative sleep. However, this specific requirement has been subject to change and exemptions, so it's essential to refer to the latest FMCSA regulations.

These regulations are enforced through electronic logging devices (ELDs), which automatically record driving time to ensure compliance. ELDs have been mandatory in most commercial trucks since December 2017 to improve the accuracy of HOS reporting and reduce the likelihood of log falsification. For individuals involved in truck-related accidents seeking expertise in navigating these complexities, leading Houston truck accident lawyers offer specialized knowledge and support, ensuring that all regulatory aspects are meticulously addressed.

Commercial Driving Comes With Responsibilities

Embarking on a commercial truck driver career encompasses far more than navigating large vehicles across vast distances. It involves a significant commitment to safety, adherence to stringent regulations, and a profound sense of responsibility toward oneself, other road users, and the environment. This segment delves into the multifaceted responsibilities that accompany the role of a commercial truck driver.

Ensuring Safety on the Roads

Safety stands as the paramount responsibility of every commercial truck driver. Drivers must prioritize safe driving practices, given the potential for severe consequences in large truck accidents. This includes, but is not limited to:

● Adhering to Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: Compliance with HOS rules is critical to preventing fatigue-related incidents ensuring drivers are well-rested and alert while on duty.

● Routine Vehicle Inspections: Conducting pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections of their vehicles to identify and address maintenance issues that could pose safety risks.

● Defensive Driving: Employing defensive driving techniques to anticipate and react to the actions of other drivers and potential hazards on the road.

Compliance with Regulations

Commercial truck drivers are subject to a wide array of federal and state regulations designed to ensure public safety and the integrity of the transportation industry. These include:

● Transportation of Hazardous Materials: Drivers transporting hazardous materials (HazMat) must follow specific guidelines and obtain the necessary endorsements on their commercial driver's licenses (CDL).

● Drug and Alcohol Testing: Drivers must undergo regular drug and alcohol testing to ensure they are not impaired while operating their vehicles.

● Weight and Load Restrictions: Adherence to prescribed weight limits and cargo securement is essential to prevent accidents and damage to infrastructure.

Commercial truck driving is a profession of critical importance and considerable responsibility, demanding strict adherence to safety regulations, ethical conduct, and environmental stewardship to ensure all road users' well-being and the transportation industry's sustainable operation.