Hours of Service

Did you know that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration limits the number of hours that a truck driver can work? If a truck is in interstate commerce, the agency governs their work hours. State regulators govern hours worked within a state. Bus drivers’ hours are also regulated. There are only a certain number of hours that a driver can work, and drivers must rest between each driving shift.

The Department of Transportation enforces FMCSA regulations. The GMCSA is part of the DOT. Both truck and bus drivers have to record their hours worked. Most use a logbook that details hours spent driving and hours spent resting. Automated on-board recorders are preferred but not required. They note the amount of time spent driving.

The reason hours are regulated is simple. The rules are to prevent driver fatigue, a major cause of on-road truck crashes. All of us have problems if we get off our normal 21- to 24-hour work schedule. We have to maintain a normal sleep/work schedule. You have to have a minimum amount of rest and drivers are required to do so. You also need longer periods of rest to ward off cumulative fatigue. Fatigue effects add up if you don't get enough rest.

The DOT has officers in every state. They enforce the Hours of Service rules. They often use weigh station stops to check HOS requirements. The DOT can force drivers to stop and rest, and they can negatively affect a carrier's safety rating. Unfortunately, drivers too often try to get around the rules. That is one reason that on-board recorders are preferred.

The Ormond Beach law firm of Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. understands the serious nature of automobile, truck and motorcycle accidents and the injuries that can result. Our firm will investigate the causes of any accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Daytona Beach car accident attorney today at 800-556-8890 for a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in a car accident.