The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a report detailing the positive impact that a 2011 safety mandate has had in reducing bus and truck-related crashes. Since the change in trucking hours-of-service (HOS) for commercial drivers went into effect in 2013, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has seen positive changes in the safety of commercial driving.
Trucking hours of service rules were established to oversee how much time truck drivers can spend commercially driving and transporting freight per day and per week. These regulations are intended to save lives on the road and minimize driver fatigue.
In the almost 18 months the new rules have been in place, the GAO found:
- A decrease in the risk for driver fatigue
- No increase in morning crashes between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. during rush hour
- Less vehicle fatalities
- Less drivers with maxed out work schedules
Overall, the reduction in trucking hours-hours-of-service have made roads safer and lead to fewer fatigued drivers on highways.
In addition to the GAO report, the FMCSA also concluded that the regulations requiring two nights off-duty called a restart minimizes fatigue. Drivers with a two-night restart were found to be less fatigued than those with a one-night restart.
This fall, the FMCSA is expected to issue a new rule that follows the GAO recommendations that driver data be gathered electronically. This way, the information can be easily analyzed and examined. Paper logbooks would be switched over to electronic logging devices, which would be used by both truck and bus companies that travel between states.
Trucking accidents can be devastating and leave a victim feeling overwhelmed from their injuries or the loss of a loved one and from the stress of mounting medical bills and loss of income. The Ft Worth truck accident lawyers at Anderson Cummings can help you get the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
Schedule a free consultation today with an injury lawyer at our firm, by calling (817) 920-9000.