Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of trucking accidents in Georgia and across the United States. Long hours, demanding schedules, and pressure from trucking companies often push drivers beyond their limits. When trucker drivers exceed legal driving hours, they endanger themselves and everyone else on the road.
In this article, our Georgia truck accident attorneys at Brodie Law Group explain how Hours of Service (HOS) violations contribute to crashes, what the law requires, and how victims can hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
What Are Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created Hours of Service (HOS) rules to prevent fatigue-related crashes. These rules limit how long commercial truck drivers can legally drive and work each day and week:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit – Drivers can drive for up to 11 total hours, but only after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty. Example: If a driver rests from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., they can legally drive from 6 a.m. for up to 11 hours.
- 14-Hour “Driving Window” – The 11 hours of driving must occur within a 14-hour on-duty window. This window starts when the driver begins work, and includes not just driving, but also loading, unloading, fueling, inspections, and waiting time. Once the 14-hour window closes, the driver cannot drive again until taking another 10 consecutive hours off.
- 30-Minute Rest Break – After 8 hours of driving, a driver must take a break of at least 30 minutes.
- 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit – Drivers may not drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, depending on the trucking company’s schedule.
These rules exist to keep fatigued drivers off the road.
Why Is Driver Fatigue So Dangerous?
A tired truck driver can be just as dangerous as a drunk driver. Fatigue slows reaction times, reduces focus, and increases the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
- A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When fatigue causes a mistake, the consequences are often catastrophic for those involved.
- Studies show that being awake for 18 hours straight impairs driving like a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%.
- After 24 hours without sleep, impairment is similar to a 0.10% BAC – well above the legal driving limit.
How Trucking Companies Contribute to Fatigue
While drivers are responsible for following HOS rules, many trucking companies pressure drivers to break the law. Common tactics include:
- Setting unrealistic delivery deadlines
- Encouraging drivers to falsify logbooks
- Ignoring or bypassing Electronic Logging Device (ELD) warnings
When companies put profits over safety, they can be held legally responsible for crashes caused by fatigued truck drivers.
How to Prove Fatigue in a Truck Accident Case
Proving fatigue requires a detailed investigation by an experienced trucking accident lawyer. Evidence may include:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data
- Driver logbooks and trip records
- Fuel and toll receipts that reveal falsified logs
- Dispatch communications from the trucking company
- Witness testimony from coworkers, family, or other drivers
Uncovering violations of HOS rules can be the key to proving negligence and holding drivers and trucking companies accountable when they don’t follow the rules and regulations.
What To Do If You Suspect Driver Fatigue Caused Your Truck Accident
If you were injured in a tractor-trailer crash, it’s important to act quickly. Trucking companies often move fast to protect themselves, and evidence of fatigue can disappear.
At Brodie Law Group, our Georgia truck accident attorneys know how to investigate driver fatigue and Hours of Service violations. We work to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable and fight for maximum compensation for our clients.
Speak With a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait. Call Brodie Law Group today at (478) 239-2780 for a free injury consultation. We are here to protect your rights and help you recover.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced Georgia trucking accident attorney.
