It is important to understand trucking safety and big rig regulations. Have you ever wondered how long the truck driver speeding up behind you at 75 m.p.h. has been on the road? Most trucking companies pay by the mile, so the driver will make more money if he drives further and faster. However, relatively recent federal regulations have been put in place to make the roads safer for everyone by limiting the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can be on the road. For more information reach out to a truck accident lawyer.
The U.S. Department of Transportation, which regulates truck drivers, mandates that a driver can drive straight for 11 hours or work up to a 14 hour shift (which includes rest stops and breaks for food). Additionally, no driver may work more than 60 hours in a 7 day period or 70 hours in an 8 day period, unless they have had 34 straight hours off in that time.
Here are a few tips to help keep you safe around 18-wheelers:
For more information, reach out to a personal injury lawyer.