Hours-of-Service Regulations Lifted for Truck Drivers Amidst Pandemic

Caucasian Male Driving a Truck During the 2020 Covid PandemicOne of the most controversial issues in the trucking industry is fatigued drivers. Fatigue is a serious safety issue for truck drivers and those traveling on the road around them.

To help with this issue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enacted a regulation mandating that the truck's “hours of service” not exceed 11 hours after the trucker has spent 10 consecutive hours off duty and drivers cannot drive past the 14th hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Further, drivers cannot drive beyond 60 hours in seven days or 70 hours in eight days. Under this regulation, a restart is allowed only after being off duty for at least 34 consecutive hours.

In response to COVID-19, the FMCSA has temporarily lifted hours-of-service regulations for truck drivers transporting emergency supplies and relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the first time in history that the hours-of-service regulations have been suspended on a national scale. The national emergency declaration can be read here. In summary, what it says is that as long as the trucker is delivering necessary supplies, these truck drivers no longer need to stop driving after 11 consecutive hours during a 14-hour day. Our experienced Indianapolis truck accident attorney explains the possible safety concerns this could cause.

What Does This Mean for Motorist Safety?

The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and has required changes in many industries. While the goal of the Emergency Declaration is to deliver immediate needs timely, there is a question of whether it puts the American motorist in danger. Fatigue and drowsy driving are said to be contributing factors in as many as 30-40% of all commercial truck accidents.

Keller & Keller Has Experience with Fatigued Trucker Cases

At Keller & Keller, we are proud to take a stand against negligent truck drivers and fight hard against trucking companies. Keller & Keller was proud to represent the family of a 30-year-old man who was driving to work when he was killed by a commercial truck that came across the centerline and struck his vehicle head-on. Among other things, we were able to prove that the truck driver was fatigued, which impacted his ability to drive safely. At $48.5 million, it was one of the largest pre-trial settlements in the State of New Mexico.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, call Keller & Keller today. Our consultations are free, and you don’t pay us anything until we win your case.

For more information about why truck accident cases are different, download our book, 10 Critical Questions You Need Answered Before You Sign Anything After a Truck Accident.

James R. Keller
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