Will New HOS Regulations Reduce Miami Truck Accidents?

As of this past July 1, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented its new hours of service (HOS) rules and regulations. The regulations apply to all trucking companies and most commercial motor vehicles, including tractor-trailers, buses and motor coaches.

Commercial drivers are limited to driving no more than 11 consecutive hours at a time when coming off 10 hours of duty. Drivers are required to take an 8-hour rest between driving periods to sleep, in addition to extended rest breaks of 34 hours, equivalent to a weekend in the industry.

Some critics claim that the new HOS regulations will hurt business, particularly the smaller trucking companies and independent drivers. That argument may not hold much weight, seeing as how the new rules will apply to every commercial driver and the playing field and offset costs will remain level, just as they were before the new regulations. The new HOS regulations will simply require drivers to get more documented rest, which will reduce accidents caused by driver fatigue.

There is more information on personal injury and truck accidents available on our site. Please contact our firm today for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured in a Miami truck accident. Remember, there is never a fee or a cost unless we win your case.