FMCSA Listening Session to Address Hours-of-Service Issues

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has posted a notice on its web site inviting the public to participate in a series of four listening sessions in January 2010. The purpose of the listening sessions is to gather information and comments for the agency to prepare its proposed rules on hours-of-service (HOS) requirements for commercial vehicle drivers. The HOS regulations place limits on when and how long a semi tractor-trailer may drive, and are designed to ensure truck drivers get the necessary rest to perform safe operations.

 The FMCSA has indicated it wants input from commercial drivers, carriers, owner-operators, safety advocates, safety enforcement, researchers and others. The topics to be addressed include rest and on-duty time, sleeper berth use and the effect the current hours-of-service rule has on loading and unloading times for drivers. An outline of the topics and questions for consideration are included in the Federal Register notice, and is available online.

As a firm that has handled truck accident cases in Indiana and accross the nation, the lawyers at Doehrman Chamberlain in Indianapolis understand that truck driver fatigue can be a significant issue in a semi-tractor trailer crash case. We are hopeful that the FMCSA proposes new rules that help reduce large truck crashes that often lead to serious injuries to the motoring public. If you have been injured as the result of a trucker's negligence, contact the Indiana truck accident attorneys at Doehrman Chamberlain for a consultation.