Are Hours of Service regulations sufficient to ensure prevention of truck accidents in Florida?

Statistics linking trucks to serious, even deadly accidents in Palm Beach are clearer than ever before. Truck operators often drive for incredibly long distances at a time, sometimes covering multiple states in one day. This may leave them fatigued and with impaired judgment while operating vehicles in excess of 40 tons.

Large trucks have higher fatal accident rates per mile traveled than passenger vehicles. If you or anyone you know has experienced a loss or serious injury due to a truck accident in Florida, it is important to contact an experienced Palm Beach truck accident attorney.

Truck Drivers Under Increased Pressure
Goods being transported into the US by truck has increased by 50% in the past 20 years, and is expected to increase exponentially by the year 2020. This leads to more crowding on the highways, more difficulty in transportation of the goods, and more pressure on the drivers to push boundaries in order to make delivery deadlines.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service regulations (49 CFR Part 395) have limits in place for when and how long truck drivers can drive safely. These limits are based on scientific studies to ensure drivers get the necessary rest that they need in order to prevent truck accidents.

Here are some of the current limitations in force by the FMCSA regarding when and how long a property-carrying commercial truck driver may operate safely:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: “May drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.”
• 14-Hour On-Duty Limit: “May not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty.”
• 60/70-Hour On-Duty Limit: “May not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days.”

Safety Advocates Concerned
Several safety advocates have been arguing that the changes enacted in 2003 allowing a one-hour increase in overall drive time may be a public safety issue. A recent study released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that the risk of accident increases two-fold when truck drivers operate their vehicles for more than 8 to 10 consecutive hours.

Being in a truck accident can be a bewildering, horrifying experience. Contact Fetterman & Associates at 1-866-1244 to speak with an experienced Palm Beach truck accident attorney, who will help sort through the confusion to identify your best options. Make sure your rights are protected; get the answers you deserve.

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