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FixonRoad.com™ Reports Proposed Amendments to Truck Driver Safety Laws

FixonRoad.com™ is reporting that The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is currently in the process of proposing seven changes in the current regulations regarding truck driver hours of service rules. 

Roadside Assistance Truck DriversDrivers of tractor trailers, big rigs, 18 wheelers, heavy haulers, freightliners, RVs, reefers, buses and many other vehicles stand to be effected by the changes.

The changes to the truck driving laws are for the purpose of giving drivers the flexibility to take a break during the day.  This should reduce the health and safety risks of truck drivers due to long hours of work.

Among the changes to the truck industry that the agency is proposing are:

* Lowering the number of daily driving time to 10 hours from 11 hours.

* Truck drivers would need to be released from duty after 14 consecutive hours of truck driving.  All drivers would have the choice of taking two 16-hour shifts per week.

* Truck drivers would get a 1 hour break during the day.

* Limiting the number of consecutive hours behind the wheel by prohibiting a truck driver from driving if it has been more than 7 hours since the last off duty period.

* Modifications to the 34-hour restart that would have to include 2 periods between midnight and 6 am that could be used only once each week.

As expected the American Trucking Associations’ reaction was negative.  They feel that the proposed changes would substantially reduce trucking’s productivity. 

Hopefully both sides will work together to ensure the safety of truck drivers and all others on the road.

Truck Drivers should be able to get off the road when they are tired and should be encouraged to do so.  This would not only promote safety for truck drivers, but for all drivers on the whole.

It will be interesting to see whether or not these truck driver safety laws go into effect.  In the meantime, be sure to contact FixonRoad.com™ by visiting us on the web or calling us at 800-208-6364.  Our directory of truck tire service specialists and emergency roadside assistance is ready and waiting to help you get back on the road as soon as possible.

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