New Federal Hours of Service Regulations & Dallas Truck Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCA) has proposed a new plan that could change the federal hours of service rules for truckers. However, the new proposed regulations may not do enough to reduce your risk of being seriously injured in a Dallas truck accident.

The new changes would replace 2003 regulations
The new changes were proposed in 2009 as part of a settlement with Public Citizen and other groups and would replace 2003 regulations. Though the group is still considering new proposals, a final rule is expected to be announced by July 26, 2011.

New changes mean more downtime
According to the newest proposal, truckers who work on a 7-day work schedule would be subject to more required downtime. However, truckers who drive 8-day work schedules would not be impacted as much.

Driving time may be limited to 10 hours per day
The proposed changes would limit truckers to 10 hours a day, following a minimum period of 10 consecutive hours off duty. The 2003 regulations permitted truckers to drive 11 hours per day.

"It will reduce fatigued driving and lower crash risk," said Anne McCartt, Institute senior vice president for research. "Well-controlled studies indicate crash risk rises well before the eleventh hour of driving."

If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident, contact one of our experienced Dallas truck accident attorneys at the law office of Kay Van Wey at (214) 329-1350 or (800) 489-5082.