Last week, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration finally released its new rules governing the Hours of Service for truck drivers.  The new rules are a disappointment, to say the least.   The agency has retained the 11 work hour rules that are currently in place, while Houston truck accident attorneys and trucking safety groups had been calling for a reduction in those hours to 10.  As a Houston truck accident attorney, I have supported a reduction in truck work hour rules in order to reduce the number of fatigue -related truck accidents that occur in Texas every year.

The new rules limit the number of hours that a truck driver can drive in a week to 70, down from the earlier 82 hours.  Truckers will also be required to take 2 weekly rest periods between 1 AM and 5 AM.  Not surprisingly, the trucking industry is not entirely pleased with these inclusions in the rule either.  The industry is considering a court challenge to the rule.  Trucking safety groups are not happy with the rule either.

The new rule is expected to take effect on July 1, 2013.  Trucking companies will have adequate time to incorporate these changes in their rules.

The announcement of the new rule coincides with data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which shows that trucking fatalities actually increased last year.  These rates increased over 2009, proving that trucking safety is still one of the most important transportation safety issues.  The new rules don’t seem to address this fact.

Vuk Vujasinovic is a Board Certified Houston personal injury attorney who practices Houston auto accident and other personal injury cases.

For more info on how Vuk can help you with your potential case please call him at (877) 724-7800 or fill out the contact form on the right.

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