FMCSA to Review 11-Hour Trucking Rule to Prevent Fatigue-Related Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has reached an agreement with truck and auto safety groups and labor unions that could result in something that Texas truck accident lawyers have been calling for- a reduction in the number of consecutive hours long-haul truckers can drive.

Just before the Bush Administration vacated the White House, it passed a rule that increased the number of straight hours a trucker could drive to 11 hours from the earlier 10.  These increased hours only magnified the chances of fatigued drivers causing serious accidents. That rule had been challenged by several consumer safety groups, the Teamsters union and truck safety groups. Now, the FMCSA has said that it will propose a new rule, which will be finalized within 9 months. There is no information yet on what kind of working hours these new rules will involve, but as Texas truck accident attorneys, we will be hoping for a drop to ten consecutive hours.

Earlier this week, we reported on the NTSB's recommendations to the FMCSA for mandatory sleep apnea screening for truckers. Sleep apnea is just one cause of trucker fatigue. The other equally important cause is driving long hours without a break. But, the trucking industry continues to insist that the 11-hour work rule has actually led to a decline in the number of truck accidents.

Be that as it may, we would all feel a lot safer if truckers operating massive 80,000 pound 18-wheelers are feeling fresh, relaxed, and rejuvenated while driving, not fatigued and drowsy after a long day behind the wheel. Every year, 5,000 people die in truck accidents across the country. In 2008, 441 people died in accidents involving large commercial trucks in Texas.  Those numbers can only drop when we reduce pressure on truckers, and encourage them to live healthy, and drive safely. Lower working hours will do help do that.

The Texas truck accident lawyers at Schechter Shaffer McElwee & Harris represent injured victims of commercial truck, 18-wheeler and tractor trailer accidents in the Houston area, and around the state of Texas. Contact SMSH Partner Jon Harris at (800) 282-2122 or via email at jharris@smslegal.com for a free evaluation of your case.