January 11th, 2012 by Staff
Large commercial vehicles can weigh 80,000 pounds or more. A standard passenger vehicle usually weighs about 3,000 pounds in comparison. There’s not much that drivers can do if a commercial vehicle driver neglects to abide by the Rules of the Road. Due to the sheer size and weight differences, Cobb County trucking accidents are likely to cause serious, if not fatal, injuries. These commercial transport vehicles can include not only tractor trailers, but single unit and logging trucks as well.
Intimidating Truck Accident Statistics
In 2006, one out of every six fatalities in Georgia occurred in a crash involving a large truck. There are over 5,400 truck accidents in Georgia each year. Over 200 of those involve truck accident fatalities. These accidents occur throughout the state, in both rural and urban areas. The United States Department of Transportation is constantly attempting to further develop trucking regulations for these commercial drivers with a goal of protecting not only those drivers, but pedestrians on highways as well.
Hours-of-Service (HOS) Final Rule
The United States Department of Transportation published a new rule for commercial trucking companies in the Federal Register on December 27, 2011 that will become effective on February 27, 2012. According to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, this new Hours of Service of Drivers Final Rule will be implemented to “prevent fatigue-related truck crashes and save lives.”
The current HOS rule does not specify a minimum rest break amount and allows a lenient 82 available work hours for truck operators each week. The new “Final Rule” reduces the maximum number of weekly hours a truck driver can work by 12 hours. Also, drivers cannot operate vehicles after working eight hours without first taking at least a 30 minute break. These half-hour breaks may be taken any time that they need them during their 8 hour window. The current 11 hours daily driving limit will be retained, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will continue to research and further examine the risks associated with this lengthy driving time. Drivers and carriers will have to comply with all provisions of the “Final Rule” by no later than July 1, 2013. Any drivers or companies that do not comply with the HOS final rule by this date will be fined for each offense.
Who Will Be Affected By This New Rule?
The new regulations will affect drivers that currently work more than 70 hours a week. Their carriers will be affected as well. Most importantly, other drivers on highways with commercial trucking vehicles will be affected with the increased safety of the road. Trucking drivers will have the opportunity to become more rested and better able to drive without breaking any Rules of the Road, so everyone will be safer while driving.
Marietta Trucking Accident Attorneys
Trucking accidents occur throughout the metro Atlanta area. The experienced Atlanta trucking accident lawyers at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. have experience representing clients of trucking accidents throughout the area, including Marietta, Smyrna, Roswell, Woodstock, Decatur, Macon, Kennesaw, Acworth, Canton, Sandy Springs, and Dallas. We not only represent urban Atlanta trucking accident victims, but those that occur throughout the state of Georgia. These Kennesaw trucking accident attorneys take pride in not only winning cases for those that are harmed due to another’s negligence, but building lasting relationships with you in the process.
The staff at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones holds first-rate academic credentials, extensive courtroom experience, strong community ties, and a deep commitment to successful outcomes. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a Georgia trucking wreck, the best way to protect yourself is to consult with an experienced Marietta trucking accident attorney. Contact us today at (770) 427-5498 for a free consultation. Our Kennesaw trucking accident attorneys understand your needs and will be with you every step of the way.