Are current hours of service (HOS) regulations effective at reducing driver fatigue in commercial truckers? We take a closer look at the data from a number of studies looking at commercial drivers and fatigue in an effort to reduce truck accidents. Additionally, we take a look at trucker sleep disorders which may be causing drivers to have higher levels of fatigue than the regulations would imply and may adding unnecessary risk for road accidents and collisions. The following takes a closer look at the HOS laws themselves - everything from consecutive duty period restrictions to the driver restart. Ultimately, we aren't looking for just a truck accident attorney's perspective. If you drive a truck commercially, I'd love to hear your opinion on what the best way to increase safety while not negatively impacting the transportation industry. Comment below with your suggestions what should be done to prevent driver fatigue and reduce accidents.

1. Truck Driver Fatigue
Are Current Hours-of-Service
(HOS) Regulations Working?

2. The Main Cause
of Truck
Accidents?

3. Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (The Large Truck Causation Study)
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
90.00%
100.00%
Driver Error Vehicle Malfunction Environmental Factor
Main Causes of Truck Accidents

4. According to the U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) :
“Nearly 4,000 people die in large truck crashes
each year and driver fatigue is a leading factor.”
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5. Sleep Disorders
Stats Among
Truck Drivers

6. • 28% Commercial Driver’s License holders
suffer from sleep apnea.
• As many as 1,250 fatal truck wrecks in 2005
may have been caused by driver fatigue
related to sleep disorders and / or sleep
apnea
Sleep Disorders Among Truck Drivers:

7. • As many as 40% of truck drivers reported not
getting a regular good night’s sleep
• 22% admitted to having driven drowsy at
some point during the month
• 16% of truck drivers reported involvement in
an incident at work caused by sleepiness (2%
having an accident, 14% “near miss” incident)
According to the National Sleep Foundation’s
2012 Sleep in America Poll:
Source: National Sleep Foundation Study

8. • 20% of drivers had EDS (Excessive Daytime
Sleepiness) - 29% had high risk for obstructive
sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)
• 36.6% of drivers near-miss accidents (42.5% -
sleep related)
Another study “Sleepiness and Sleep-
Disordered Breathing in Truck Drivers” Found:
Source: NIH.gov
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9. Hours-of-Service
Regulations

10. Drivers of commercial motor vehicles are subject to
HOS regulations. In general, large trucks (tractor-
trailers, 18-Wheelers, Semi-Trucks, Big-Rigs) that:
• Operates in interstate commerce and weighs
(including any load) 10,001 pounds (4,536 kg) or
more.
Which Truckers Are Required to Comply With
the Hours-of-Service Regulations?
Continued >>

11. • Interstate commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle
weight rating or combination weight of 10,001
pounds (4,536 kg).
• Interstate commercial vehicles transporting
hazardous materials in amounts requiring warning
placards.
A number of exemptions for HOS requirements exist.

12. HOS are intended to reduce driver fatigue. The drive
time limits focus on when and how long a truck driver
can operate. Drivers must follow 3 maximum duty
limits at all times.
• the 14-hour duty limit
• 11-hour driving limit
• 60/70-hour duty limit.
Hours-of-Service Limits:
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13. • 14 consecutive hours of duty time is allowed for
operators after being off duty for 10 or more
consecutive hours.
• 14-consecutive-hour duty period (on the job time,
not drive time), the driver is restricted to 11 total
hours of drive time.
Hours-of-Service Limits (Continued…):

14. • 60/70-hour based on 7/8-day period. After the on-
duty time of 60 hours during any 7 consecutive days
the operator is not allowed to drive (or 70 hours in
any 8 consecutive days).
• The driver “restart” allows a reset of his 60 or 70-
hour clock calculations after at least 34 consecutive
hours off duty (including 2 full rest evenings).
Hours-of-Service Limits:

15. A Completed Log (Example):
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (Truck Driver’s Guide)

16. • Competent truck accident lawyers will want to find
out what the driver activities were in the hours and
days leading up to the wreck
• Learn the medical details of the driver prior to the
collision
• Hire an accident reconstruction expert, to determine
the specific regulatory environment (for the truck
driver and their motor carrier operate
Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles:
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17. If you have been involved in a crash involving a semi-
truck, contact us immediately to get more information
about your legal rights.
>> Claim Your FREE case review here <<
https://www.mcdonaldworle
y.com/semitruckaccident.php
You need legal representation focused on your recovery.
Don’t let the insurance companies needlessly push you
around. We can help make sure you know which options
are best for you and your family.
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