Last month, the Federal Railroad Administration issued new regulations to combat fatigue related accidents, injuries and fatalities on passenger trains. While, our Atlanta car accident lawyers don't typically discuss railroad safety, there is something in the fine print of the U.S. Department of Transportation's press release on this topic that we believe may be important in preventing future Atlanta truck wrecks.

Fatigue Science is the Basis for the New Rules

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the new hours of service regulations for passenger train crews are based on "fatigue science." Fatigue science uses scientific data to determine the maximum on duty and minimum off duty hours that railroad crews may safely work. It marks the first time that scientific data is being used in creating federal regulations regarding the scheduling of transportation workers.

Will the Trucking Industry be Next?

The press release issued by the Department of Transportation indicates that other industries may benefit from a similar application of scientific data. Thus, when the hours of service regulations for truckers are again revisited by the U.S. Department of Transportation, it is possible that fatigue science may play a role in forming those regulations.

Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney if You've Been Injured in a Truck Crash

Even if research based scientific data is used to help prevent tired truckers from causing serious crashes, truck accidents will continue to occur in Atlanta. Truck accident attorneys understand how difficult such a crash can be and the serious injuries, or fatalities, that may result.

For more information about your rights after an Atlanta truck accident, please contact an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer today at 1.770.518.1133 and please read our FREE book: 4 Common Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Georgia Car or Truck Claim so that you can make sure that your rights, and potential recovery, are protected.