If you have ever driven for more than 16-18 hours without rest, you would be aware of what some truck drivers go through on a daily basis. Spending most of the day driving can deteriorate your physical and mental health. Other than that, it also prevents you from spending time with your loved ones and getting much-needed sleep.
Despite the obvious dangers of sitting in one place and driving for long hours, truck drivers still work relentlessly, ignoring their health. According to the law, truck drivers are allowed to drive for a maximum of 11 hours straight before they must stop and take a break. If you have been in a trucking accident because of the truck driver’s fatigue, speak to a Glen Falls truck accident lawyer today.
How long is a truck driver allowed to drive before they can take a break?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), trucking companies in Glen Falls should set an 11-hour driving limit for truck drivers, after which they must take a break. The rule also states that truck drivers should not drive for more than 8 hours in a row. They must take a break of at least half an hour after driving for 8 hours.
Are there any exceptions to the 11-hour driving rule?
There are exceptions to the 11-hour driving rule that applies to certain truck drivers:
- If the driver is operating a vehicle weighing less than 10,000 pounds.
- If the driver is operating a non-CDL-required truck within a 150 air-miles distance from their reporting location.
Rules of driving a truck for long hoursÂ
Here are some legal laws that every truck driver should adhere to:
- Truck drivers must only drive for 11 hours. After that, they have to stop driving.
- If truck drivers are driving for more than 8 hours, they must take a break after the 8th hour.
- Truck drivers should stop driving if they have exceeded 60 hours of driving in a 7-day period or 70 hours in 8 days.
Why is driving for long hours so dangerous?
Driving for long hours consecutively without breaks is dangerous for physical health. It leads to tiredness, stress, and fatigue. Short-term tiredness is nothing to worry about, but long-term fatigue can affect a person significantly. Moreover, driving for most of the day can prevent one from having personal time.
A driver who shows signs of fatigue is not fit for driving any vehicle, let alone a massic commercial truck.