Road safety is a priority for any driver, especially a trucker. Driving large trucks requires not only experience, but also composure, so the main rule that all drivers follow is the alternation of time spent driving on the road and taking rest. But how many hours can you drive? We will try to find the answer to this question together.
Maximum Duration of Driving Without Rest
Any company that provides freight dispatch service must adhere to applicable laws, including labor protection. In order not to face difficulties and carry out transportation legally, it is better to contact a specialized company, for example, Logity Dispatch, which will tell you that a truck driver cannot drive a car for more than 11 hours without a break.
The duration of driving is set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The 11-hour limit has been derived from various observations and statistics. During this particular period of time, the truck driver remains focused and practically doesn’t feel fatigued. Each subsequent hour dramatically increases the chances of “sleepy driving”, which is comparable to drunk steering.
Other Time Limits for Drivers There are other time constraints to consider when trucking billing:
· 14-hour limit, which predetermines the length of the trucker’s working day. 11-hrs limit is taken into account during these 14 hrs;
· 10-hour rest (non-working hours). After the start of the engine, you must stop for 10 hours of sleep or any other time outside the car;
· the limits “60 hrs in 7 days” and “70 hrs in 8 days”, according to which the driver can drive no longer than 60 hours for a 7-day tour or 70 for an 8-day.
Even if a trucker insists that he can get from point A to point B in a day without stopping for sleep, it is necessary to clearly explain to him that this is prohibited. Otherwise, he himself, his employer, and even the customer may be fined.
