Commercial truck drivers are often subjected to demanding schedules and long hours. When drivers operate their vehicles while fatigued, the risk of serious truck accidents increases significantly.
To reduce drowsy driving crashes, federal regulations establish strict limits on how long truck drivers can drive in a given period. These rules are known as hours of service regulations. When drivers or trucking companies violate these safety requirements, they put everyone on the road at risk.
If you were injured in a crash caused by a truck driver who violated hours-of-service rules, contact our St. Charles truck accident attorneys to discuss filing a claim. Schedule your free consultation today.
What Are Hours of Service Regulations?
Hours of Service rules are safety regulations created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations apply to most commercial truck drivers operating across state lines and are designed to prevent drivers from operating large vehicles while dangerously fatigued.
Under current federal rules, truck drivers are generally restricted to:
- A maximum of 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- A 14-hour on-duty limit during which driving must occur
- Mandatory rest breaks after eight hours of driving
- Weekly limits of 60 hours over seven days or 70 hours over eight days
Drivers must track their hours using electronic logging devices (ELDs) or logbooks, which allow regulators and investigators to verify a driver’s or company’s compliance with these safety rules.
Common Ways Truck Drivers Violate Hours of Service Rules
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. A fatigued truck driver may not have the capacity to operate such a vehicle safely. When drivers are tired, they may experience:
- Slower reaction times
- Reduced concentration
- Impaired judgment
- Difficulty staying awake or alert
- Delayed braking responses
Nonetheless, drivers routinely run afoul of hours of service rules by:
- Driving beyond the legal limit of allowable hours
- Failing to take required rest breaks
- Falsifying or altering electronic logbook records
- Operating the truck after insufficient off-duty rest
- Continuing to drive despite obvious fatigue
In some cases, trucking companies may indirectly encourage violations by setting unrealistic delivery schedules or failing to properly monitor driver logs.
Proving Hours of Service Violations After a Truck Accident
When a truck accident occurs, driver fatigue is often a contributing factor in the crash. Evidence of hours of service violations can show that a driver or company was negligent in preventing the accident.
Key evidence may include:
- Electronic logging device data
- Driver logbooks
- GPS records
- Fuel receipts and toll records
- Dispatch and delivery schedules
- Driver employment records
Trucking companies have a duty to ensure that their drivers follow federal safety regulations. When a company encourages unsafe driving practices, fails to monitor driver logs, or ignores known violations, they may be vicariously responsible for any accidents its drivers cause.
If you have been injured in a truck accident involving a fatigued driver, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages. An experienced St. Charles personal injury attorney can help you determine if hours of service violations contributed to your crash. Contact Feagans Law Group to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights and options.