Proposed changes in drive-time regulations spark debate over trucking safety

Aug 19, 2019 at 12:26 PM CST
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A recent proposal by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an agency of the Transportation Department, would change drive-time rules for truckers. The trucking industry supports the proposal, while critics worry the change could lead to more accidents involving truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said its 129-page proposal, published Wednesday, provides more options for drivers while maintaining safety standards. Current hours of service regulations allow long-haul drivers up to 11 hours of time behind the wheel each day. Regardless of how much of that time is spent driving, the truckers must call it a day after 14 hours. The regulations also say drivers must have had 10 consecutive off-duty hours before starting a new day.

Aug 19, 2019 at 12:26 PM CST

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A recent proposal by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an agency of the Transportation Department, would change drive-time rules for truckers. The trucking industry supports the proposal, while critics worry the change could lead to more accidents involving truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said its 129-page proposal, published Wednesday, provides more options for drivers while maintaining safety standards. Current hours of service regulations allow long-haul drivers up to 11 hours of time behind the wheel each day. Regardless of how much of that time is spent driving, the truckers must call it a day after 14 hours. The regulations also say drivers must have had 10 consecutive off-duty hours before starting a new day.