The Department of Transportation is changing Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Barring any change in plans, the new regulations will take effect July 1st, 2013. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules apply to motor carriers operating in interstate commerce and drivers of commercial motor vehicles.
While the new regulations will add weight to those already in place, they also add complexity. This is bringing up a lot of questions with on everything from restarts to breaks to violations. The following FAQs can help answer some of your questions so you will be ready when the changes go into effect.
What type of drivers will be most affected by the new rules?
The rules will have the greatest impact on professional, long-haul truck drivers who regularly work more than 70 hours per week.
Can you explain the restart regulations?
The FMSCA concisely summed up the restart rules in a 2011 news release: “The rule requires truck drivers who maximize their weekly work hours to take at least two nights’ rest when their 24-hour body clock demands sleep the most – from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. This rest requirement is part of the rule’s ‘34-hour restart’ provision that allows drivers to restart the clock on their work week by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty. The final rule allows drivers to use the restart provision only once during a seven-day period.”
Why can’t drivers take two 34-hour restarts in one week?
Depending on the driver’s schedule, allowing two 34-hour restarts in one week could lead to an excess of on-duty hours during the week. For example, drivers who work 14 hours on-duty and 10 hours off could reach 70 hours in five days. Even with a 34-hour restart, the driver would be back on the road within the same week.
The new rules require drivers to take a 30-minute break after driving for eight hours. Why?
According to the FMCSA, research found that taking any break from driving activities reduced risk in the hour following the break. The research also indicated that off-duty breaks produced the largest risk reduction.
Does the driver have to rest during the 30-minute break?
Not necessarily. Stopping to have a meal does in fact count as a break.
Is the time taken for a break included as part of the 14-consecutive hour driving window?
Yes. The 14-hour clock keeps ticking during the 30-minute break.
What is the possible impact of non-compliance?
One of the most serious possibilities is the potential for accidents. Remember, the new rules are designed to reduce incidents involving fatigued drivers. In addition, “egregious” violations by companies and drivers could lead to significant financial fines and possible civil penalties.
If you would like more information on the HOS regulations, the FMCSA provides a summary on their website. In addition, you can watch a free, on-demand webinar about the regulations here.
Written by Andrew Leavitt, Senior Safety & Loss and Prevention Manager (Northeast Region), Ryder System, Inc.
posted on 20 March at 22:29
This good news, my best friends dad is a truck driver and he does long hauls across the country. He gets very little sleep and now he is required to rest. I do not know how much of an impact this will be but it is good for their health. http://www.horizonlocksmith.net