Legislators propose new rules to promote truck driver safety

In an effort to ensure that truck drivers are not pushing their physical limits, the Obama administration has proposed a series of new regulations that would change work restrictions for these professionals. 

NASDAQ reports that although the Department of Transportation did not formally propose a change to the current daily consecutive driving limit - which is 11 hours - representatives from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) did suggest that this period should be reduced by one hour.

The agency's proposals included a mandate that drivers take a 34-hour break once per week after they have worked between 60 and 70 hours. In addition, the FMCSA suggests that operators should complete their daily work within 14 hours, which would include driving and loading time as well as a one-hour break.

Beginning next week, the FMCSA will launch a 60-day review period, during which it will take comments, according to the news source.

These suggestions come shortly after the organization implemented a new set of driver safety regulations under CSA 2010. Safety directors who require their fleets to enroll in online courses on related subjects may have more compliant and healthy employees. 

Legislators propose new rules to promote truck driver safety

Thursday, December 23rd, 2010