What are the Rules for Truck Driver Rest and Driving Hours?
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, trucker fatigue is a contributing factor in up to 40% of all truck accidents. This is a stunning statistic, especially when you consider the fact that these truckers are subject to strict rules regarding rests and breaks. If a driver becomes so tired that they cause a truck accident in Tampa, there is a strong chance they violated one of these rules. An experienced personal injury lawyer can show you how to prove this type of negligence if you’re struggling with serious injuries.
The 14-Hour Driving Window
One of the most important rules under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the 14-hour driving window. Somewhat confusingly, this rule does not state that a trucker can drive for up to 14 hours per day. Instead, a trucker can drive a maximum of 11 hours during the 14-hour window – but only if they have been off-duty for a minimum of 10 hours.
In other words, truckers can only drive for 11 hours within a 24-hour period. Because 10 off-duty hours are required before the start of the next 14-hour window, this really translates to a maximum of about 10 hours of driving per day.
The 14-hour window is not affected by naps, breaks, or lunch breaks. The window begins when a trucker begins any kind of work – even if that work is not related to driving. For example, the 14-hour window would start if a trucker began conducting a visual safety check of their truck before driving.
Rest Break Requirements
The FMCSA also states that after driving for eight hours, a trucker must take a break of at least 30 minutes. In other words, a trucker must take at least one break per 14-hour driving window. This also means that the 14-hour driving window only really allows for 13.5 hours of “work” before the trucker must go off-duty for at least 10 hours.
Why Might I Need to Prove That a Trucker Violated These Rules?
If you can prove that a trucker violated these rules before your crash, you may be able to establish that they contributed to your accident. This may make it easier to pursue compensation for damages like missed earnings, medical expenses, and emotional distress. Your lawyer can help you gather this important evidence.
Can a Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me Prove Negligence?
Trucker fatigue is just one example of negligence, and there are many other violations that can lead to serious crashes. If you are recovering from an accident involving a commercial truck, you may want to consider other forms of negligence, such as distraction, intoxication, and speeding. If you’re serious about holding reckless truckers accountable, consider a consultation with Matthews Injury Law today.