Connecticut Truck Accidents: What Is The Hours Of Service Rule?

Fatigue is something that all of us have faced at one time or another, however, commercial truck drivers who are fatigued can put all motorists on the road in danger. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces an hours of service regulation that restricts the number of hours a driver can operate a commercial vehicle in a 24 hour period.

Even though this regulation is in place, some drivers and trucking companies do violate this rule to meet delivery deadlines which puts everyone at risk for injury. This rule aims at limiting commercial driver fatigue and states that truck drivers

• Can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty;
• May not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty;
• Can only drive if at least eight hours or less has passed since the end of the driver’s last sleeping period of at least 30 minutes;
• Cannot operate a semi-truck after driving 60 hours in seven days, or driving 70 hours in eight days before taking at least 34 consecutive hours off duty;

The hours of service rule applies to all vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, require payment to transport between 9 and 15 passengers, or more than 16 passengers, and transport hazardous materials. If you or a loved one was injured in a Connecticut truck accident and believe driver fatigue played a role in the crash, contact our firm. Our experienced team will begin an immediate investigation into your injuries and work to protect your long term interests.