Truck drivers
By busyB4
@busyB4 (874)
United States
December 11, 2008 8:13pm CST
Do you think truck drivers for safety reasons should be limited to how many hours a day that they are allowed to drive ?I know of accidents that have happened due to an overworked truck driver, and wondered if you feel there should be anything done to limit how many hours without sleep they can drive?
3 responses
@playmateshorty (365)
• United States
15 Dec 08
The federal DOT has had hours of service restrictions in place for many many years and is not a new idea. However the drivers that are over worked and falling asleep at the wheel is not a lack of safety regulations but a lack of responsibility.
1 person likes this
@HeavenUnaware (1757)
• United States
31 Dec 08
Exactly!
My husband is a long haul driver and he sticks to the rules. He is allowed to drive a certain amount of hours a day and then he has to be off (sleeping time) for 10 hours. Thankfully, he is a good driver and does what he is supposed to do. He runs "team" with another man so the truck is almost always moving but they both make sure that they are logging their hours correctly and taking their sleeping time like they are supposed to. My husband knows that if he didn't, I would kick his butt! His life is too important and I do not want him risking it for a load.
The company he works for are very strict about a lot of things including logging his time correctly and also not driving over the set speed on the truck. The great thing is, his truck cannot go any faster than is allowed - they have it set that way automatically. Some of the other company truck drivers do not like the company my husband drives for because they say they are too slow but I really don't care - I want my husband to be safe and if you want to go faster, go around him.
Like playmate said, the accidents are happening because of a lack of responsibility.
@lynnemg (4529)
• United States
12 Dec 08
In many places around the US, this has already been done. I believe they are allowed to drive for 10-12 hours, then have to be stopped, for rest for 6-8 hours. Of course, there are some truck drivers who try to cheat their logs and do not abide by the rules, but many drivers do obey this rule. Unfortunately, truck drivers are often pressed to meet deadlines for deliveries, and will go without sleep just to beat the clock. Also, the limitations on hours allowed to drive take a toll on their pay, and they know it. Most drivers are not paid by hour, they are either paid per mile, or per load.
I agree that there should be limitations, but I also feel that they should not be pressed for time as they often are. The company should set more realistic schedules.
1 person likes this
@sassysammy81 (369)
• United States
19 Jul 09
There are regulations on truckers and the amount of hours they can drive,they have a 14 hour rule,but can only drive 11 hours.
They can stop at any time and rest for a few hours if they feel tired,thats what my husband does,as he is a truck driver,most but not all will not risk their lives for a load.
