How Safety Regulations Protect Drivers From Truck Accidents

January 9, 2015 | By William Mattar, P.C.
How Safety Regulations Protect Drivers From Truck Accidents

There are very specific truck driving rules and regulations designed to ensure commercial vehicles operate and travel in a safe manner. When these laws are broken, truck accidents happen. One of the most important laws New York State has implemented regulate the amount of rest truck drivers must have before operating vehicles. Why Regulate Truck Driver’s Rest? Many truck drivers are paid by the job, load, or hour. So the more they can work, the more money they make. Unfortunately, drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of truck accidents today. That's why rules regulating the amount of rest a truck driver must get each week—known as the Hours of Operation laws—are important. How the Hours of Operation Rules Could Change In 2013, laws went into effect that require truck drivers to get two consecutive nights off for every 70 hours they spend behind the wheel. According to New York Now, a Congressional spending bill that is currently under consideration could change that though. A section written into the current bill would repeal the law. The rules would be up for consideration again in October after a study is conducted on the effects of regulations on truck accidents. Hurt in a Truck Accident? William Mattar Can Help. At William Mattar Law Offices, we are aware of the important role trucking regulations play in the scheme of safety. We’re hopeful current laws will remain in tact, but we recognize that laws cannot always prevent accidents from happening. That’s why we’re here to help if you’ve suffered truck accident injuries. Call us today at (844) 444 - 4444 to get a free case consultation.