Survey: Trucker Fatigue An Issue Since New HOS Rules Implemented

On behalf of Lovett Law Firm posted in Truck Accidents on Tuesday, December 10, 2013.

Trucking accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but there are some common causes. Among them is driver fatigue. Truck drivers spend long hours on the road and can become drowsy at the wheel. The risks of driver fatigue are obvious. What isn’t so obvious is how to address the issue adequately.

In July, new rules were implemented which specifically aimed at addressing the issue of driver fatigue. The maximum average work week was reduced from 82 to 70 hours, drivers were required to take a 30 minute break during the first eight hours of driving, and a new restart period was required. The result of the changes was expected to be less driver fatigue, but according to the American Transportation Research Institute, they actually had the opposite effect for many truckers.

According to the institute, over 66 percent of truck drivers surveyed about the new rules said that their fatigue has actually increased since the rules took effect in July. The survey polled 2,300 drivers and 400 motor carriers.

In addition to an increase in fatigue, drivers are also reporting decreased productivity. Over 80 percent of truckers said they got less work done since the rules were implemented, and 82 percent said their quality of life has suffered.

Truck driver safety practices are important for all on the roadway. Because large trucks present such a large risk to other vehicles in motor vehicle accidents, it is imperative that regulators and industry heads address this issue in a satisfactory way.

Source: Wall Street Journal, “New limits on Truck Drivers Boost Fatigue for Some, Survey finds,” Betsy Morris, November 18, 2013.