truck crash attorney oklahoma city
Truck Accidents Caused by Fatigued Drivers
A survey conducted recently by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that drowsy or fatigued driving is often as dangerous as drunk driving. Fatigued drivers are prone to losing focus or falling asleep behind the wheel. This type of negligent driving is particularly dangerous when large trucks are involved. To help prevent truck drivers from operating big rigs while drowsy, the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict truck regulations on the number of hours truck drivers can work without a break or rest.
Drivers of property-carrying vehicles are regulated under 395.3, which states: “No motor carrier shall permit or require any driver used by it to drive a property-carrying commercial motor vehicle, nor shall any such driver drive a property-carrying commercial motor vehicle: (1) More than 11 cumulative hours following 10 consecutive hours off-duty; (2) For any period after the end of the 14th hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty.” Additionally, drivers are not allowed to be on duty 60 hours in any period of seven consecutive days or 70 hours within a period of eight consecutive days.
Read more about Truck Accidents Caused by Fatigued Drivers