Since commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, they can be difficult to maneuver and stop at high speeds. Unfortunately, if a fatigued truck driver is behind the wheel, their ability to react and make prompt, life-saving decisions on the road is significantly reduced. A collision with a commercial truck is often devastating, resulting in debilitating injuries and fatalities.
How Long Can Truck Drivers Drive Per Day?
According to rules established and enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it is mandatory for truck drivers to take rest breaks. They are only allowed to drive up to 11 hours consecutively after taking 10 hours off in a row, and cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after being on duty. Truck drivers are not allowed to drive trucks for over 60 hours in one week or more than 70 hours in an eight-day span. However, not all truck drivers adhere to the rules. There are occasions when trucking companies encourage their drivers to push through the breaks in order to make a profit or meet deadlines quicker. Alas, it is mandatory for drivers to maintain a log book for every 24-hour period of service, which makes it a critical piece of evidence of truck driver negligence in a case.
