To boost profits, many transport companies force their drivers to work longer hours than is safe. Drivers often skip much-needed rest to keep up with demanding schedules, and this fatigue becomes incredibly dangerous to everyone on the road. The Department of Transportation has established nationwide regulations to restrict the amount of time truckers can be on the road. These laws apply to any vehicle with a total weight of over 10,000 pounds and those carrying hazardous or flammable materials that require signage.
Here are the key regulations:
- Drivers may only work for 14 hours per day, of which only 11 of those hours can be on the road.
- They must then have 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
- Total work hours can’t exceed 60 in seven consecutive days, or 70 in eight.
- They must have at least one 30-minute break every 8 hours.