Alarming Results Of Truck Driver Fatigue In Texas

A tired truck driver at the wheel of a massive 80,000 pound semi-truck is nothing short of dangerous, and it is a serious issue on the interstates and highways in Texas. Spending an increasing number of hours on the open roads and risking the lives of others by refusing to take breaks, truck drivers are often motivated by the pressures of time and money. The more deliveries a truck driver makes, the higher the profits.

Unfortunately, commercial truck drivers maneuvering enormous 18-wheelers try and fight through fatigue, causing them to lose focus, decrease reaction time, swerve off the road and cause a major accident, resulting in serious injury or even death.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, concerned with the increasing number of truck crashes resulting from tired truckers, instituted new hours and procedures in April 2003. These regulations (Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) Part 395) include:

Limiting driving to not more than 11 consecutive hours in a 14-hour period, following 10 consecutive hours off-duty
Limiting driving to not more than 14 hours total in a 24-hour period
Maintenance of logs for hours of service to show truck drivers are taking appropriate breaks

Despite these requirements, in 2007 over 17,000 truck crashes were reported in the state of Texas, with truck driver fatigue as a major cause. In fact, in December 2010 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration again proposed new rules to limit the number of hours of service for truck drivers. The final rule will be published by July 26, 2011 and includes the following:

Restart period in which truck drivers would have at least 34 hours off duty between each work week, including two consecutive nights off-duty between midnight-6 a.m
Limiting driving to not more than 14 hours, with the driver on-duty for no more than 13 hours

If You Have Been Involved In An Accident Caused By A Tired Truck Driver

Accidents caused by tired truck drivers in Texas are serious, and even deadly. If you or a family member has been involved in a truck accident caused by a tired trucker, you need the immediate assistance of a Dallas truck accident attorney who has experience and knowledge.

For answers to your questions, do not hesitate to contact Van Wey Law at (214) 329-1350 or toll free at (800) 489-5082. You can also send us an e-mail for a free, no obligation consultation. An experienced Dallas truck accident lawyer will answer your call and explain your legal rights.

Van Wey Law serves the following areas: Dallas, including Plano, Frisco and McKinney, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, San Antonio and the entire State of Texas.

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Don't hesitate to contact Kay Van Wey at (800)489-5082 for a free, no obligation consultation.

Van Wey Law serves:

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The entire state of Oklahoma, including Tulsa and Oklahoma City

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