Federal motor vehicle safety standards expert witnesses may write reports and opine on the federal motor carrier safety regulations, qualifications of truck drivers, hours-of-service (HOS) requirements, as well as related issues. On its website the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers trucking rulemakings and notices including a Department of Transportation proposed safety regulation that would revise hours-of-service (HOS) requirements for commercial truck drivers.
“A fatigued driver has no place behind the wheel of a large commercial truck,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We are committed to an hours-of-service rule that will help create an environment where commercial truck drivers are rested, alert and focused on safety while on the job.” This new HOS proposal would retain the “34-hour restart” provision allowing drivers to restart the clock on their weekly 60 or 70 hours by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty. However, the restart period would have to include two consecutive off-duty periods from midnight to 6:00 a.m. Drivers would be allowed to use this restart only once during a seven-day period.
The publication of this proposed rule coincides with the time frame established in a court settlement agreement that requires FMCSA to publish a final HOS rule by July 26, 2011.
Read more: www.fmcsa.dot.gov.