The trucking industry has different rules and regulations that dictate the way trucks are operated, including how they can be driven on the road, what trucking companies are required to do, and so on. One of the important rules in this category is the Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
These rules were put in place because of the high number of truck accidents, which often result from driver fatigue. HOS regulations ensure that truck drivers get enough rest and do not drive for extended periods.
Victims of truck accidents, whether caused by fatigue or any other reason, should hire truck accident lawyers to help them seek compensation for their injuries and losses.
This article will talk about what the HOS regulations are and why they may be violated.
What Are HOS Regulations?
HOS regulations are a set of rules that dictate the number of hours a truck driver can drive, work, and rest. These regulations are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and apply to all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.
According to the HOS regulations, drivers cannot drive after being on duty for 14 consecutive hours.
Drivers cannot drive for more than 11 hours in a 14-hour shift, according to the 11-hour rule.
The 30-minute break rule requires that drivers take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 hours.
Hours of service regulations additionally stipulate that drivers cannot drive after being on duty for 60 hours in any 7 days or 70 hours in any 8 days.
Additionally, drivers can use the sleeper berth to log up to 7 hours of rest time.
Benefits of Hours-of-Service Regulations
HOS regulations have been beneficial for the following reasons.
- Hours of service regulations aim to protect not just truck drivers but road users too because of how fatigue has significantly contributed to truck accidents. HOS regulations help reduce truck accidents as truck drivers get the rest they need to function properly.
- HOS regulations have helped minimize the financial costs resulting from truck accidents. They also make drivers more efficient and increase their productivity, and with that, medical expenses, insurance payouts, and property damage costs from accidents are reduced.
- Truck drivers have to optimize their routes and schedules, which has helped the environment by improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions because drivers reduce the number of hours they spend on the road.
- Drivers are now able to have a work-life balance and also prioritize their well-being with the help of HOS regulations.
Why Are HOS Regulations Violated?
Even with the benefits of hours-of-service regulations, there have been several instances where they have been violated. The violation occurs because of the following reasons.
- Most trucking companies pressurize drivers to meet tight deadlines, which forces drivers to violate HOS regulations.
- There is a lack of enforcement measures in place to promote adherence to the rules.
- Some drivers are unaware of and are not adequately trained on HOS regulations, which has caused them to unintentionally violate regulations.
- Some trucking companies may offer incentives to drivers who violate HOS regulations, such as bonuses for meeting tight deadlines, which has contributed to truck drivers flouting these regulations.
