Truck drivers transport 70% of consumer goods in the United States. Typically, people go to the store, buy what they need, and go home. Amidst a global pandemic, however, many people resort to “panic buying,” or hoarding food and supplies in the face of uncertainty. Psychologists attribute this to a human need for control in a situation with more unknowns than answers. Unfortunately, panic buyers do not usually stop to think about those who deliver their products.
In one tweet, a truck driver depicts the long line of vehicles waiting to pick up toilet paper from Proctor & Gamble (P&G). With increased demand, long-haul truckers are faced with an overwhelming amount of work and the roads are flooded with more 18-wheeler traffic. To ensure the community has the supplies it needs for sanitation and prevention of COVID-19, the federal government has suspended hours-of-service laws for the first time in history.
Hours-of-Service Laws
Introduced in 1938, hours-of-service laws are a crucial part of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These rules limit truck drivers to only 11 hours behind the wheel within a 14-hour work period. Should a trucker meet their 11-hour limit, they must log 10 hours of “off-duty time” before they drive again. In an ideal world, these regulations keep tired truck drivers off the road, preventing accidents caused by drowsy driving.
Tired Truckers
Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Sleep deprivation is estimated to be a factor in 20% of fatal accidents. Combining less sleep with larger, heavier vehicles is a recipe for disaster. If a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel, the results could be deadly – for both the driver and other vehicles in their vicinity.
If you are injured or bereaved by truck driver fatigue due to the suspension of FMCSA regulations, please contact The Law Offices of Caroline J. Nasseri.
During these difficult times, we all have a responsibility to take care of one another. Our firm is offering free consultations over the phone and accepting emails at all times.
To discuss what happened to you, please call us at (408) 912-2217 or send us a message online.