As many as 65% of commercial truck drivers report that they often or sometimes feel drowsy while driving, and another 50% admit that they’ve actually fallen asleep when operating their trucks in the previous year, according to the Truck Safety Coalition.

Read that again…HALF of the drivers questioned admitted to having previously been asleep at the wheel of a commercial vehicle.

The regulation of truck drivers’ hours of service dates back to the early 20th century when concerns about driver fatigue and road safety first emerged. In 1937, the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) established the first federal hours of service (HO) regulations, which included limitations on driving hours and mandatory rest periods for truckers to help reduce truck accidents.

Over the years, hours of service regulations underwent several revisions and updates to reflect changing industry practices and address emerging safety concerns.

In 2003, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) introduced the first version of the modern hours of service regulations, which included the 14-hour rule as part of efforts to combat driver fatigue and improve road safety.

Understanding this rule is essential for both truck drivers and fleet managers to ensure compliance and promote safety. Let’s delve into what is the 14-hour rule for truck drivers and how it affects the operations of truck drivers across the United States.

Hours of Service Regulations

Before delving into the specifics of the 14-hour rule, it’s essential to grasp the broader context of HOS regulations. They govern the amount of time commercial truck drivers can spend behind the wheel within a set period. The primary goal of these regulations is to prevent truck driver fatigue, reduce the risk of accidents, and promote overall road safety.

The Basics of the 14-Hour Rule

There are two main components of this HOS requirement to know about, including:

• Definition and Scope: This rule, also known as the 14-hour on-duty limitation, is a key component of HOS regulations for commercial truck drivers. Under this rule, once a truck driver starts their workday, they have 14 consecutive hours to complete all their on-duty activities, including driving, loading and unloading cargo, conducting inspections, and other work-related tasks.
• Driving Limitations: Within the 14-hour on-duty window, truck drivers are permitted to drive for a maximum of 11 hours. Once the 11-hour driving limit is reached, truckers must take a mandatory rest break of at least ten consecutive hours before they can resume working. This rest period is essential for allowing tractor-trailer operators to rest and recharge, reducing the risk of fatigue-related accidents.

Exceptions and Flexibility

Like most rules, there are exceptions to 14-hour on-duty period that apply. Including:

• Adverse Driving Conditions: In certain circumstances, such as inclement weather or unexpected traffic congestion, truck drivers may encounter challenging road or traffic conditions that impede their ability to safely complete their routes within the allotted time frame. In such cases, drivers are permitted to extend their driving window by up to two hours to reach a suitable stopping point.
• Short-Haul Exemption: The 14-hour rule may not apply to certain short-haul truck drivers who operate within a specific radius of their home terminal and return to the same location each day. These truckers may be eligible for an exemption from the 14-hour on-duty limitation, provided they meet certain criteria outlined by the FMCSA.

Ensuring Compliance and Safety

In the olden days, it would have been much more challenging for regulators to track how many hours truckers worked, given how they were able to track time worked in their (paper) logbooks. Now, commercial driver’s license (CDL) coursework educates future truckers not only on the 14-hour rule but also how to log hours in a compliant way as follows:

• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): To accurately track and record drivers’ hours of service, commercial trucking companies are required to use electronic logging devices (ELDs). This software automatically records driving time and monitors compliance with hours of service regulations. ELDs provide real-time data that helps ensure drivers adhere to the 14-hour rule and other HOS requirements.
• Driver Training and Education: Proper training and education are essential for ensuring drivers understand the importance of complying with the 14-hour rule and managing their time effectively. Training programs should cover HOS regulations, fatigue management strategies, and techniques for maximizing productivity while prioritizing safety.

Is the 14-Hour Rule Working?

The 14-hour rule for truck drivers has had several positive impacts on the industry, contributing to improved safety, driver well-being, and overall efficiency:

• Reduced Fatigue-Related Accidents: By limiting the consecutive number of hours that truckers can spend on duty, including driving time, the 14-hour rule helps reduce the risk of driver fatigue. Since exhaustion and drowsiness is a significant factor in many truck accidents, the rule has been instrumental in reducing the incidence of fatigue-related crashes on the roads.
• Enhanced Road Safety: With rested and alert drivers behind the wheel, the rule contributes to overall safer roadways. By preventing drivers from exceeding safe limits for on-duty time and driving hours, the rule helps minimize the likelihood of accidents caused by drowsy driving or impaired cognitive function due to fatigue per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Improved Driver Health and Well-being: The mandated rest breaks and limitations on consecutive on-duty hours prescribed by the rule promote better health and well-being among truck drivers. Adequate rest and recovery time are essential for preventing burnout, reducing stress, and maintaining overall physical and mental health, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient workforce.
• Better Operational Efficiency: By imposing limitations on drivers’ on-duty time and driving hours, it also encourages better time management and operational planning within the trucking industry. Optimizing schedules, routes, and rest periods, allows trucking companies to maximize efficiency and productivity while maintaining compliance with HOS regulations, ultimately benefiting both drivers and fleets.
• Positive Public Perception: Regulations such as the 14-hour rule demonstrate a commitment to safety and responsible practices within the trucking industry. By prioritizing safety and well-being, trucking companies can enhance their reputation and build trust with customers, stakeholders, and the public, ultimately contributing to a positive perception of the industry as a whole.

The Connection Between Hours of Service Regulations and You as a Truck Accident Victim

While the 14-hour rule, a critical component of hours of service regulations for commercial truck drivers, was designed to promote safety and prevent driver fatigue on the roads, there are still some truck drivers and fleet companies that make non-compliant choices with the expectation that they won’t get caught. This is when preventable crashes occur that claim innocent individuals’ lives, causing them to suffer catastrophic injuries or lose their lives.

At GDH Law, we represent motorists, pedestrians, and others who have been injured by truckers and others in the trucking industry who didn’t abide by the rules. Our truck accident attorneys also want to help you if you’ve suffered harm because someone else’s negligence left you hurt, too. An initial consultation with our legal team is a great starting point for understanding your rights to hold any liable parties accountable for their actions. Contact us to schedule that meeting now.