Staying Safe on Kentucky Roads
Driving an 80,000-pound truck is no easy task, and ensuring the safety of Kentucky roads means holding drivers and trucking companies to high standards. One critical aspect of truck safety is Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, designed to prevent driver fatigue and reduce accidents.
In a recent episode of “Truck Talk” by Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers, attorney Jon Hollan breaks down the crucial details of these regulations. Understanding HOS is essential for anyone involved in the trucking industry or simply sharing the road with these massive vehicles.
The 14-Hour Rule and the 11-Hour Driving Limit
Federal regulations are unambiguous: truck drivers cannot drive non-stop across the country. To combat fatigue, which can severely impair driving ability, strict limits exist on driving and on-duty time. As attorney Hollan explains, truck drivers typically operate within a 14-hour daily shift. Within these 14 hours, no more than 11 hours can be spent actually driving [00:00:42]. This leaves time for other essential tasks but significantly mandates rest.
From Paper Logs to Digital Tracking: Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Remember the days of paper logbooks? They are primarily a thing of the past. About five years ago, the federal government mandated electronic logging devices (ELDs) [00:01:14]. These digital logbooks, sometimes apps on cell phones directly linked to the truck’s engine, automatically track driving hours, making it harder to fudge the numbers [00:01:20]. While technology helps, mistakes can still happen, and unfortunately, some may still try to bend the rules [00:01:35].
Enforcement and Investigating Potential Violations
Ensuring compliance is key. This is where legal experts like Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers come in. They understand the intricacies of HOS regulations and meticulously examine driver logbooks in case of truck accidents. By comparing these logs with other records and collaborating with experts, they can determine if violations of hours-of-service rules, potentially due to fatigue, were a contributing factor in a crash [00:01:49].
Do you suspect HOS violations in a truck accident?
If you believe a truck accident may have been caused by driver fatigue or violations of hours-of-service regulations, Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers can help. With offices in Lexington and Louisville, they handle trucking cases across Kentucky.
Learn More
For a complete explanation of truck driver hours of service, watch the full video: Truck Talk | Hours of Service.