Truck drivers drive during the odd hours of the night and even during the harsh weather conditions. Not having enough rest and not eating proper food have made it difficult for truckers to drive with complete attention and are the reasons for the increasing accidents too. Therefore, to help truckers improve their lifestyle and save them from accidents new rules have been implemented by the FMCSA in the recent times. However, it is important for trucking companies and truckers to follow the safety rules, keep themselves alert, and take care of their health. Read this blog to learn about the new rule imposed by the FMCSA.
According to report published by the Department of Transportation or DOT around 3,887 large-truck accidents occurred in the U.S in 2012. In addition, around 13% of the death reports were caused due to fatigue and distracted driving. Therefore, to reduce the number of accidents happening every year the FMCSA has come up with a solution for truck drivers, which was put into action from July 1, 2013.
the new rules set by the Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration consists of three essential aspects that are – Truck drivers need to take at least 30 minutes of break during the initial 8 hours of driving. Secondly, truck drivers are assigned 34 hours ‘off-duty periods’ so that they can take rest and start their work afresh. Additionally, they are entitled to include two periods during their course of driving i.e. from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Besides, the FMCSA has reduced the number of hours a truck driver should be on the roads to about 15 percent, which counts up to 70 hours. Anne Ferro, the head of FMCSA says “At the core of that rule is a tremendous amount of research about how fatigue contributes to our ability to be alert and how chronic fatigue undermines and operator’s ability to run safely.”
These rules announced by the FMCSA were at first declared by the DOT in December 2011. However, after much opposition by several trucking companies the FMCSA fixed a schedule, which included 11-hour limit for driving a trucking whereas, 14-hour limit was imposed on truckers for working. In addition, trucking companies and truck drivers should keep in mind that not following the rules would lead to paying fine. To add to their knowledge, trucking companies would have to pay $11,000 whereas, truck drivers who drove for more hours need to pay a fine of $ 2,750 for every offense.
The increase in the number of truck accidents every year due to fatigue has encouraged the government to implement the new schedule for truck drivers. Following the safety rules help save accidents like paying taxes can save them from paying HVUT penalties. If you are still to file then file it with Tax2290.com, the first IRS certified e-filing service provider. Reach us at 1-866-245-3918 for tax assistance and support.