Despite proposed changes, driver safety is still the number one priority

Officials from Milton Trans recently held a trucker's safety meeting to discuss the proposed changes to the hours of service brought on by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Standard-Journal reports.

Many drivers are concerned with the negative impact that the new rules may create on their bottom line, including production, revenue and driver's hours. Furthermore, the safety manager of Milton Transportation told the news source that he believes that the changes might lead to more gas being used and add to road congestion.

The proposed reduction of each driver's hours on the road may prompt a need for more drivers in the industry to fulfill each job. Drivers will be permitted to drive 13 hours of the 14-hour shift, after which they must be released from duty.

“This means drivers that have spent 13 hours on the road need to take a one-to-three-hour break,” Dean Riland, safety director, told then media outlet.

Despite the disapproval from many drivers, these new regulations help keep drivers safe, especially during the winter months. Analysts say that the trucking industry is in good condition to recover this year.

By Mark Priest

Despite proposed changes, driver safety is still the number one priority

Monday, February 7th, 2011