• Home
  • About Us
    • David Bressman – Attorney
    • Thomas F. Martello, Jr. – Attorney
    • Jedidiah Bressman – Attorney
    • Karen Bressman – Paralegal
    • Scholarship
    • Safe Roads Policy Scholarship
  • Cases We Handle
    • Car Accidents
    • Truck Accidents
    • Bike Accidents
    • Bus Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Product Liability
    • Dog Bites
    • Traumatic Brain Injury
    • Wrongful Death
  • Areas We Serve
    • Dublin
    • Cincinnati
    • Columbus
    • Grove City
    • Gahanna
    • Hilliard
    • Marion
    • Marysville
    • Ohio
    • Powell
    • Worthington
  • Case Results
  • Testimonials
    • Ohio Uninsured Drunk Driver Case Study
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • FAQs
    • Glossary
    • Press Releases
    • Free Book
    • Blog Archive
  • Contact Us
Bressman Law
Call Us Today: (614) 538-1116
  • Home
  • About Us
    • David Bressman – Attorney
    • Thomas F. Martello, Jr. – Attorney
    • Jedidiah Bressman – Attorney
    • Karen Bressman – Paralegal
    • Scholarship
    • Safe Roads Policy Scholarship
  • Cases We Handle
    • Car Accidents
    • Truck Accidents
    • Bike Accidents
    • Bus Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Product Liability
    • Dog Bites
    • Traumatic Brain Injury
    • Wrongful Death
  • Areas We Serve
    • Dublin
    • Cincinnati
    • Columbus
    • Grove City
    • Gahanna
    • Hilliard
    • Marion
    • Marysville
    • Ohio
    • Powell
    • Worthington
  • Case Results
  • Testimonials
    • Ohio Uninsured Drunk Driver Case Study
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • FAQs
    • Glossary
    • Press Releases
    • Free Book
    • Blog Archive
  • Contact Us

Home » Blog » Truck Accidents » DOT Regulations for Truck Drivers Set Scheduling Standards – Violations Can Cause Truck Crashes

DOT Regulations for Truck Drivers Set Scheduling Standards – Violations Can Cause Truck Crashes

Posted on: July 31, 2015

DOT Regulations for Truck Drivers Set Scheduling Standards - Violations Can Cause Truck Crashes
hours, truck, drivers, consecutive, driver, fatigue, companies, trucking, limit, carriers

To maximize income, truck drivers often keep crazy work schedules, driving hours upon hours without a break. Longer hours mean more trips and more profit, so carriers often nudge or openly encourage their workers to “keep on trucking.” Unfortunately, an unreasonable truck driver schedule can be extremely dangerous. It leads to driver fatigue, which in turn, increases the risk of truck crashes.

There are federal laws that limit the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can work and that mandate regular breaks. However, trucking companies with unreasonable schedules often skirt around these laws, putting everyone on the road at risk.

Pressure in the Trucking Industry

Truck drivers are under massive pressure to perform because it increases the bottom line for companies. Anne Ferro, former head of the FMCSA said, “Drivers are paid by the mile or by the load. So it really is the case, the longer you sit, the more money you make.”

Truck driver Janessa Mann told National Public Radio (NPR): “Truckers are always going to push it, because we don’t have a choice. The stuff needs to be there. If you don’t make it on time, the companies will make you sit in their parking lot for two to eight hours because you were late.”

Truck carriers need to recognize and take responsibility for the way they manage their fleets and the impact their decisions have on public safety. It’s not only irresponsible for companies to push their drivers to the limit, it’s also illegal.

For a free legal consultation, call (614) 538-1116

Truck Drivers’ Work Schedules

Driver fatigue is a contributing factor in up to 40 percent of truck accidents, reports the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. Amputations and traumatic brain injuries are just two of the most common types of injuries that victims sustain in serious car accidents.

Drivers can reduce fatigue by doing the following.

  • Keeping a reasonable schedule
  • Taking periodic breaks
  • Getting a good rest in between shifts

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the government agency tasked with overseeing the truck carrier industry. All companies must follow DOT regulations for truck drivers, including rules that limit working hours.

To minimize the risks of driver fatigue and drowsiness, the FMCSA provides the following rules for truck drivers.

  • They can’t drive more than 11 consecutive hours.
  • They have to have at least 10 hours off-duty in between shifts.
  • They must take a 30-minute break within their first eight hours on the road.
  • They can’t drive after 60-70 hours on duty in seven to eight consecutive days. A new 7/8 consecutive day period restarts only after 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.

If carriers or trucker drivers break the FMSCA rules or alter their logbooks and it leads to an accident, they will not only be subject to fines and sanctions, but they will also be liable for victims’ damages. It can be difficult to fight a trucking company on your own which is why many victims choose a truck accident lawyer like David Bressman. Fill out our contact form to start the process of a case review and get more information on how fatigued driving may have caused your accident. Call (614) 538-1116.

Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Share
Tweet
Share

Truck Accidents Blog Posts:

How Trucking Company Liability Matters to Your Truck Accident Case
How Trucking Company Liability Matters to Your Truck Accident Case

Commercial trucks like semis and tractor-trailers are often part of a large trucking company that manages thousands of drivers across the country. Truck companies can be just as liable for causing a

Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Truck Accidents
Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Truck Accidents

Big trucks are used to transport large quantities of items. But when these items aren’t loaded properly, or when a truck is filled beyond maximum capacity, things can quickly become dangerous. For

Truckers' No-Zones: Truck Blind Spots Motorists Must Know
Truckers’ No-Zones: Truck Blind Spots Motorists Must Know

Columbus motorists often assume that truck drivers can see traffic clearly and have a much better view because they're so high above road level. That isn't the case. In fact, there are many truck

Types of Evidence to Collect for Truck Accidents
Cargo Hazards That May Cause a Truck Accident

Big rigs are designed to transport huge amounts of cargo long distances. There are many parties involved in the safe transport of the cargo, and a single act of negligence could prove harmful or fatal

Truck Accidents FAQ:

How Do I Know How Much My Truck Accident Settlement Is Worth?
How Do I Know How Much My Truck Accident Settlement Is Worth?

The value of how much your truck accident settlement is worth will be based on where fault is assigned, in what degree fault is assigned, and on a careful calculation of the following accident-related

How To Choose A Truck Accident Lawyer?
How To Choose A Truck Accident Lawyer?

If you get injured in a collision between your passenger vehicle and a large truck, a lawyer may help you get financial compensation to recover your losses. The following tips can help you learn how

Can I Sue the Truck Driver’s Company For My Injuries?
Can I Sue the Truck Driver’s Company For My Injuries?

You can sue a truck driver’s company for your injuries if the driver is responsible for the accident. Trucking companies generally have insurance companies and lawyers protecting their best

How Do Attorneys Investigate Truck Accidents?
How Do Attorneys Investigate Truck Accidents?

Attorneys investigate truck accidents by carefully reviewing police reports, accident scene photos, and other important evidence. The investigation may also include reviewing witness statements,

    Free Case Evaluation





      Scholarship
      Application Form

      Mailing Address

      Contact Details

      Academic Information


      YesNo

      Academic Requirements



      Authorization*

      I hereby certify that all information provided is true, complete and correct.


      Click Here to Chat Live - 24/7
      Dublin Location
      5186 Blazer Pkwy
      Dublin, OH 43017
      Phone: 614-538-1116
      Cincinnati Location
      9435 Waterstone Blvd #130
      Cincinnati, OH 45249
      Phone: 513-434-1818
      Columbus Location
      255A E Livingston Ave
      Columbus, Ohio 43215
      Phone: 614-538-1116

      Categories

      • Back Injury
      • Bicycle Accidents
      • Burn Injuries
      • Bus Accidents
      • Car Accidents
      • Construction Accidents
      • Distracted Driving Accidents
      • Dog Bites
      • Head Injury
      • Motorcycle Accidents
      • Pedestrian Accidents
      • Personal Injury
      • Premises Liability
      • Product Liability
      • Rear End Collisions
      • Recover Compensation
      • Slip and Fall Accidents
      • Traumatic Brain Injury
      • Truck Accidents
      • Wrong-Way Accidents
      • Wrongful Death

      Frequently Asked Questions

      How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?

      How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?
      Truck Accidents

      What Are Common Types of Car Accidents?

      What Are Common Types of Car Accidents?
      Car Accidents

      Do I Receive Less Money if I’m Injured in a Motorcycle Accident not Wearing a Helmet?

      Do I Receive Less Money if I’m Injured in a Motorcycle Accident not Wearing a Helmet?
      Personal Injury

      Find A Personal Injury Lawyer Now!

      • Cleveland Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
      • Hilliard Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
      • Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
      • Westerville Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
      • Dublin Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
      • Powell Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
      • Delaware Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
      • Ohio Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
      • Marysville Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
      • Worthington Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
      Latest Blog Posts
      • Meet Grace Traina, Bressman Law Safe Roads Policy Scholarship Recipient
      • What Are My Legal Options If a Semi Truck Hit Me?
      • Tips to Stay Safe While Driving on I-270 in Ohio

      Contact Us For a Free Case Evaluation



        Dublin Location
        5186 Blazer Pkwy
        Dublin, OH 43017
        Phone: 614-538-1116
        Dublin Location
        Union County
        Cincinnati Location
        9435 Waterstone Blvd #130
        Cincinnati, OH 45249
        Phone: 513-434-1818
        Cincinnati Location
        Columbus Location
        255A E Livingston Ave
        Columbus, OH 43215
        Phone: 614-538-1116
        Columbus Location
        David Bressman Law
        Follow Us On:

        Message Us on Facebook | Disclaimer | Site Map