Trucks are essential in transporting goods across the United States. In Houston, TX, the fleet of trucks is constantly on the road, ensuring that everything from groceries to chemicals is delivered on time. With the sheer volume of trucks and their payloads, safety is a critical concern for truck drivers and everyone else on the road.
This is where the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) comes in with its Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. As a truck driver, you must understand these regulations to ensure safety on the road. This article dives into the details of HOS regulations for truck drivers in Houston, TX, and how the truck accident lawyer in Houston can help if you get into trouble.
What are Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations?
HOS regulations are policies established by the FMCSA, defining the number of hours a truck driver can operate a commercial vehicle. The intention behind these regulations is to prevent truck operator fatigue, which is among the major causes of accidents on the road.
These regulations were enacted in the 1930s and have since been modified several times. They are currently divided into three categories, as follows:
- The maximum number of driving hours each day
- The minimum number of off-duty hours each day
- The maximum number of driving hours each week
How HOS Regulations Impact Truck Drivers in Houston, TX
If you are a truck driver in Houston, TX, compliance with HOS regulations is mandatory. Violating these regulations not only puts you and other road users’ lives at risk but also opens you up to legal liability. These regulations suggest that truck drivers can drive for up to 11 hours for a 14-hour workday after a ten-hour break.
Drivers must also have a rest period of at least 30 minutes after driving for eight consecutive hours. Additionally, drivers can work for a maximum of 60 hours in a single workweek and 70 hours in an eight-day workweek. Any time beyond this limit must be considered overtime.
How HOS Regulations Affect Truck Accident Claims in Houston, TX
Trucking accidents are some of the most devastating accidents that can occur on our roads. Unfortunately, some truck drivers and their employers do not adhere to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These regulations ensure that truck drivers get enough rest to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Violating HOS regulations is a form of negligence that can lead to catastrophic accidents in Houston, TX.
Truck accident lawyers in Houston Can represent victims of truck accidents and use evidence of HOS violations to prove that the driver or the employer was negligent. This not only strengthens the case but also means the truck driver will be held automatically at fault in any accident that may happen.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is strict when it comes to enforcing HOS regulations, and truck drivers who disregard these rules could face severe consequences that may include losing their commercial driver’s license.
Bottom Line
To sum up, Houston, TX, has an impressive and busy trucking system that is guided by multiple HOS regulations. Being knowledgeable about the latest changes to these regulations could be the difference between safe operation and accidents on the road.
Even if an accident occurs due to a driver’s negligence, with regard to those laws and regulations, there are resources available to help ensure that anyone who has been injured in an accident can be fairly compensated.
Firms like Cox Pradia Law Firm offer experienced truck accident lawyers in Houston for individuals injured in truck crashes caused by negligent drivers who have not abided by HOS regulations – so do not hesitate to contact them if you believe you meet this criteria.
It is always important to stay informed and up-to-date on current laws and regulations when operating a commercial vehicle in Houston, TX.