Tired Truckers Hurting Others on the Road: Albuquerque Trucking Accident Lawyers
HOS Violations from Tired Truckers: Albuquerque Trucking Accident Lawyers Explain FMCSA Regulations
Tired truckers are dangerous. We all know that fatigued driving is dangerous. There is some literature and research which finds drowsy driving to be as dangerous if not more dangerous than drunk driving. This is why it is not a good idea to drive while fatigued, sleepy, or drowsy. It is also against sound common law principles which reflect how a reasonably prudent driver should operate his or her motor vehicle. But for truck drivers, driving fatigued could also be against Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations regarding hours of service, or HOS. The failure for truck drivers to comply with these regulations and to avoid driving while tired could result in catastrophic New Mexico trucking accidents.
Here at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C., our Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers handle 18 wheeler wrecks HOS violations and tired truckers hurting others on the road. We will review FMCSA regulations to determine which ones a tired trucker violated, including HOS violations which harmed innocent people. This is because large commercial trucks become unguided missiles when tired truckers fall asleep and harm others on the road.
HOS Regulations
The hours of service, or HOS, regulations are an important part of the FMCSA regulations. This regulations govern how long a truck driver can operate a commercial vehicle on the roadway before needs a rest break. While these regulations are aimed at drowsy driving, fatigued driving such as driving while physically sore or tired is also a problem since driving a large truck is a physically demanding job too.
The important HOS regulations include the following:
- Maximum 14 consecutive hours on shift and minimum 10 consecutive hours off shift for rest;
- Maximum 8 consecutive hours driving on a shift before needing a 30 minute break;
- Maximum 10 hours out of a consecutive 14 hours of driving;
- Maximum 60 hours working in a consecutive 7 days, or 70 hours working in any 8 consecutive days.
Types of New Mexico Trucking Accidents from Tired Truckers
Fatigued and tired drivers are dangerous drivers. This is because reaction time is slowed by the fatigue, yet large trucks already need more time and distance to stop. This is a deadly combination. Some of the most common types of New Mexico trucking accidents due to tired truckers include the following:
- Head on collisions;
- Side swipe collisions;
- Rear end crashes;
- Jackknifed crashes;
- Rollover collisions;
- Flipped over trailers;
- Crossing the centerline; and
- Many other types of crashes.
New Mexico Trucking Accidents Due to Tired Truckers Hurting Innocent People
If you or a loved one are seriously injured due to fatigued, tired, sleepy, drowsy, or other hours of service or HOS violations, or if a loved one is wrongfully killed, ask our Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers to help you. Call to schedule your FREE appointment with our lawyers at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. by dialing (505) 883-5000.
We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 883-5000 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
