Everyone has days when they feel more tired than usual. Many of us can safely work through those days. However, if you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a Georgia truck wreck, then you know that fatigue is something that truck drivers should take seriously. Simply put, tired truck drivers can kill or badly injure themselves or other motorists.

Recognizing this fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety

Administration (FMCSA) has issued a new proposed rule that would change the hours in service requirements for drivers of commercial trucks. The proposed rule was issued in late December 2010. Per court order, the FMCSA must publish a final Hours in Service Rule by July 26, 2011.

The Proposed Hours in Service Rule

The Hours in Service Rules are maintained by the federal government to reduce the number of commercial vehicle crashes, injuries, and deaths. The key components of the current proposed Hours in Service Rule include:
  • The Restart Period: The proposed rule would maintain a 34 restart period meaning that drivers must have at least 34 consecutive hours off duty between each work week. However, under the proposed rule that restart period must include at least two consecutive off duty periods from midnight to 6 a.m.
  • The Work Day: A driver's work day may not exceed 14 hours, with at least one hour of a break and no more than 10 or 11 hours of driving.
  • Civil Penalties: Commercial truck drivers who violate the Hours of Service Rule could face civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense. Trucking companies that allow drivers to violate the Rule could face penalties of up to $11,000 for each offense.

Call a Marietta Auto Attorney After a Georgia Truck Crash

If you have been hurt be a tired trucker, then you may be entitled to damages, whether or not the trucker complied with the hours in service regulation. Please contact a Marietta truck accident attorney today at 1.770.518.1133 for more information.