What are log book rules for truck drivers?

This blog recently discussed the importance of legal protections for victims of truck accidents. The nature of a truck driver’s work requires sometimes long hours on the road. Tired and inattentive truck drivers can be hazardous on the roadways which is why the U.S. Department of Transportation regulates the industry and truck drivers to help ensure the safety of everyone sharing the roadways.

The number of hours truck drivers can be behind the wheel without a break is limited and truck drivers are required to maintain a log book that records and tracks their hours. A log book is used to demonstrate that the truck driver is in compliance with the law. Drivers are required to have a certain amount of rest time and are also required to take a certain amount of time off from driving and being on duty within a certain period of time. Drivers are required to have 10 consecutive hours off between driving shifts.

When a truck accident has been caused by a careless or negligent truck driver, the truck driver’s log book may be used as evidence if it demonstrates the truck driver was not in compliance with the law and may have been fatigued as a result. Victims of truck accidents may wish to bring a claim for damages against a negligent truck driver or trucking company, depending on the circumstances. Victims may be able to recover damages for the physical, financial and emotional harm suffered from a negligent truck driver.

Trucks are powerful vehicles on the roadway that can cause serious accidents and injuries. Victims of truck accidents would do well to be familiar with the legal resources available to help them following a truck accident.

Source: Chron.com, “Log Book Rules for Truck Drivers,” Cynthia Myers, Accessed Aug. 24, 2017