When it comes to highway safety, few industries are as closely monitored as trucking—and with good reason. Large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when something goes wrong, the damage is rarely minor. That’s why the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations exist: to prevent driver fatigue and reduce the likelihood of catastrophic crashes. But do they actually work? And what happens when they’re ignored?
Understanding HOS regulations—and how they tie into truck accident cases—is essential for anyone impacted by a commercial vehicle crash. But if you’re dealing with the aftermath of such an accident, you should contact skilled truck accident lawyers from Holliday Karatinos Law Firm, PLLC, to hold the responsible party accountable and recover compensation for losses.
Let’s explore how HOS rules work and help in reducing truck accidents.
What Are HOS Regulations?
HOS regulations are rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that govern how long truck drivers can be on the road. They were created to address one of the most dangerous risks on American highways: driver fatigue.
Here’s a quick look at what the regulations require:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. This helps prevent driver fatigue and reduce truck accidents.
- 14-Hour Window: Drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 hours off.
- 30-Minute Break: After 8 cumulative hours of driving, drivers must take a 30-minute break, which helps them relax.
- 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Drivers cannot drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, depending on their schedule.
These rules are designed to limit continuous driving, ensure rest, and improve overall focus behind the wheel. This will help reduce accidents caused by driver fatigue.
Why Are HOS Rules So Important?
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. A tired driver has slower reflexes, reduced awareness, and a greater chance of making poor decisions under pressure.
Without enforced rest periods, trucking companies could pressure drivers to prioritize deadlines over safety. HOS regulations serve as a check on that pressure, giving drivers the legal grounds to say “no” to unsafe scheduling.
Unfortunately, violations happen more than you’d think. Some drivers falsify logs. Some companies encourage it. And when an accident occurs, uncovering these violations is key to holding the right parties accountable.
What Happens When HOS Rules Are Ignored?
When a truck driver or their employer violates HOS regulations, they’re not just breaking the law—they’re creating a foundation for liability in the event of a crash. In legal terms, this is called negligence per se, meaning the violation itself can be used as evidence of fault.
But proving that requires more than pointing to a law book. You need access to digital logs, GPS records, driver schedules, inspection reports, and possibly even company-wide communication policies. That’s where things get complicated.
Why Legal Representation Matters
HOS violations don’t always show up in plain sight. Trucking companies have legal teams and insurance adjusters working behind the scenes to protect their interests. If you’ve been involved in a truck crash, trying to take them on alone can leave you under-compensated—or completely dismissed.
Skilled truck accident lawyers know exactly how to dig into the details. They investigate the case with depth and determination, hold negligent employers accountable, and help victims secure compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Final Thoughts
HOS regulations aren’t just bureaucratic red tape—they save lives. But they only work when followed, and sadly, that’s not always the case. When violations occur, and accidents happen, justice requires more than a claim—it demands a fight. If you or someone you love has been injured in a trucking accident, don’t leave your future to chance. Get the right legal team in your corner.