West Virginia Truck Crashes May Be Reduced Under New Commercial Vehicle Regulations

Recent updates to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) commercial vehicle regulations are aimed at reducing the number of fatigued truck drivers on our nation’s roads. Harrison County personal injury attorneys know the tragedies that can occur on West Virginia highways when a sleepy or otherwise impaired truck driver crashes into an innocent victim. This is just what the revised commercial vehicle regulations aim to eliminate.

Latest Commercial Vehicle Regulations

The latest changes made to the commercial vehicle regulations were announced in December and require: 

• Specific adherence to 34-hour restart limitations -- Drivers can restart their work-week clock by taking time off for at least 34 consecutive hours, which must include two nights between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
• Rest breaks – There can be no more than 8 hours between break times, which must last at least 30 minutes.
• Penalties – Exceeding the driving time limits by more than 3 hours will be considered an egregious violation. 

These safety requirements are designed to allow adequate rest time for commercial truck drivers and reduce the risk of fatigue-related crashes. 

Contact a Harrison County Personal Injury Attorney

The rules and regulations truckers must follow are clearly defined. When broken, victims of fatigued or overworked truck drivers require justice. When trucks collide with passenger cars, the results will likely be life-changing. Although there will be a lot of questions and important decisions to make during this time, choosing the right legal representation can help you make the most informed decisions possible while you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. The Miley Legal Group in West Virginia will work with you to fight for the compensation you deserve and help you to move on with your life. Contact us today for a FREE consultation – 1-304-326-1800.