How Many Hours Can a Trucker Drive Safely?

The Department of Transportation has finalized an interim rule for the number of hours a truck driver may spend on the road per day and per week. The rule, which has essentially been in effect since 2004, allows truckers to drive for 11 hours and work no more than 14 consecutive hours each day. They must rest 10 hours between shifts, and may not work more than 60 hours a week. But if they take a 34-hour break, they can restart their weekly tally. 

This rule seems to leave truckers on the road far too long, and fatigue fatalities will result.  The rule falls short of protecting the public.  In 2007, close to 413,000 large trucks were involved in accidents nationwide, and a total of 4,808 people were killed. A large majority of the fatalities, close to 80 percent, were driving or sitting in the other vehicle. It's just an example of how poor the odds of survival are for drivers or passengers involved in an accident with these massive trucks.

As Trucking Accident lawyers, we constantly come across cases in which driver negligence contributes to a collision. No matter what the conditions of the road, weather conditions, time of day or night, or the kind of traffic around, a truck driver must exercise great precaution while operating a vehicle. Due to its massive size and weight, an 18-wheeler is difficult to navigate. Even a minor miscalculation can result in catastrophe. It is always important to assess the driver's fatigue level at the time of the accident.

Please contact SMSH Partner Jonathan Harris for a free evaluation of your trucking case at (800) 282-2122.