The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently released a notice of proposed changes to the hours of service (HOS) rules, which seek to update the existing regulations on the trucking industry. The currently HOS regulations place an 11-hour cap on driving time within a 14-hour shift.
The FMCSA asserts that these changes will provide the trucking industry with both flexibility and safety.
“This proposed rule seeks to enhance safety by giving America’s commercial drivers more flexibility while maintaining the safety limits on driving time,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The proposed HOS rule changes set forth by the FMCSA include five key revisions:
According to the FMCSA, these changes may save the U.S. economy and American consumers roughly $274 million. In 2018, the agency allowed these proposed changes to be open for public debate. After authoring an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the agency has received more than 5,200 public comments — both favorable and unfavorable.
Advocates from the American Trucking Association believe these revisions to HOS will promote highway safety. On the other hand, opponents assert that changes to HOS will abandon safety and allow drivers to “push themselves to the limit even further.”
Doing so may put truckers at risk of falling asleep behind the wheel — a common risk factor that led to stricter federal regulations in the first place. When truck drivers, and their companies, push the envelope, they put lives at risk.
That’s why, if you were hurt or lost a loved one in a truck crash in Texas, it’s critical that you consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The legal team at Chad Jones Law fights for the rights of injured motorists in greater Waco, College Station, Odessa, and Midland. Contact us online today to find out how we can help you.