Drowsy or fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in the United States. Because of this, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued HOS regulations that restrict the consecutive number of hours a truck driver can be on the road, requiring trucking companies to monitor these hours and keep detailed records, in order to help stop a truck accident from occurring.
Driver fatigue is a major concern for truck drivers across the country. In fact, according to the FMCSA, about 65 percent of truck drivers report they sometimes or often feel drowsy while driving. Nearly half of all truck drivers even admit they have fallen asleep while driving in the past year. Truck accidents can lead to devastating consequences, serious injuries, and death.
The FMCSA created HOS regulations to prevent drowsy driving accidents, including:
Drivers and their trucking company must keep a record of their duty status and must be in the driver’s own handwriting and signature. Drivers can use an electronic logging device for timekeeping, which their carriers can utilize to log and track their hours. The driver must keep track of items such as total driving time, time on duty, time spent in sleeper berth, miles travelled, and details of what is being shipped. The FMCSA uses this mandate to ensure compliance and improve safety as well as efficiency.
Carriers that must comply with the HOS regulations are those that operate commercial motor vehicles. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a commercial motor vehicle is a vehicle that:
Not only does violating FMCSA regulations increase the chances of a major truck accident, but there are penalties that can be imposed on both the driver and carrier. These penalties can include:
If you have been injured by a fatigued truck driver, speak with our Washington DC truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Call us at 202-331-1963 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, and Falls Church, Virginia, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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