Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Kevin Krist Praises New Hours-of-Service Rules for Truck Drivers, Hopes Trucking Companies Will Comply
Houston, Texas (PRWEB) July 18, 2013 -- New federal regulations that reduce the maximum number of hours drivers of large trucks can spend at the wheel each week may help prevent accidents caused by drowsy truckers, but only if drivers and trucking companies follow the rules, Houston truck accident lawyer Kevin Krist said today.
“Long hours spent behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer, especially during overnight hours, can lead to sleep-deprivation and fatigue that can result in unsafe driving,” said Krist, the founder of The Law Office of Kevin Krist, a personal injury law firm in Southeast Texas. “The new regulations allow truckers to continue to do their jobs but with increased safety for everyone on the road.”
The new rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) decrease the maximum average workweek for truck drivers to 70 hours, down from 82. The rules also require drivers to take a 30-minute break during the first eight hours of a shift and retain the current rule of an 11-hour daily driving limit and 14-hour work day. The rules took effect July 1.
The FMCSA enacted the rules to ensure that all truck drivers have adequate rest and to improve safety by reducing truck driver fatigue in an effort to prevent large truck crashes, according to a July 1 FMCSA press release entitled “New Hours-of-Service Safety Regulations to Reduce Truck Driver Fatigue Begin Today.”
“The government established these rules to keep motorists safe and reduce the number of people who are hurt in accidents caused by drowsy truck drivers,” Krist said. “While some may bend or break the rules, I hope trucking companies and truckers will follow the regulations and not choose the potential for increased profits over safety.”
He pointed to a July 3 article in the Wall Street Journal entitled “Truckers Are Losing Sleep Over 70-Hour Work Limit.” The report indicated that financial considerations may lead some truckers to bend the rules or falsify their logs.
Working long hours on a continuing basis is connected with chronic fatigue, a high risk of crashes and a number of serious chronic health conditions in drivers, according to the FMCSA, which estimates the new safety regulations will save 19 lives and prevent about 1,400 crashes and injuries yearly.
Anne S. Ferro, administrator of the FMCSA, said in the press release that the new rules were based on years of research and will result in saved lives, as well as about $280 million in savings from fewer large truck crashes and $470 million in savings from improved driver health.
The FCMA will be responsible for enforcing the rules. Trucking companies and passenger carriers could be fined $11,000 per offense if they allow drivers to exceed driving limits by more than three hours. Drivers could face civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense.
“The government has shown how important the new regulations are to prevent truck driver fatigue and improve safety, but they are also good for the health of the truck drivers themselves,” Krist said. “It’s in everyone’s best interest for truckers to adhere to these rules.”
Studies show drowsy driving impairs a driver much like drinking alcohol, increasing the likelihood of an accident. If a truck driver is drowsy and causes an accident, the sheer size and weight of large trucks tend to worsen the impact. Krist recommended that victims of crashes caused by tired truckers consult a qualified truck accident attorney.
“If you who have been injured in or lost a loved one as a result of a Texas truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries or loss,” Krist said. “The Law Office of Kevin Krist can thoroughly investigate your case, including seeing if driver fatigue played a role, to get you the compensation you deserve.”
About The Law Office of Kevin Krist
The Law Office of Kevin Krist is a Houston personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting Southeast Texas residents who have suffered catastrophic injuries in serious and tragic accidents. For more than 25 years, the firm has represented clients in personal injury and wrongful death claims involving car and truck accidents, aviation accidents, business litigation, catastrophic injury, defective products, explosion or burn injuries, maritime injuries, medical malpractice, spinal injury, traumatic brain injury and workplace accidents. The firm serves accident and injury victims throughout Houston, Harris County, Pasadena, Katy, Baytown, League City and surrounding areas. The firm’s office is located 3401 Allen Parkway, Suite 102, Houston, TX 77019. To learn more about The Law Office of Kevin Krist, call (281) 677-3959 or use the firm’s online contact form.
Kevin Krist, The Law Office of Kevin Krist, http://www.kevinkristlaw.com/, (281) 677-3959, [email protected]
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