SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) -The National Transportation Department wants to further limit the number of hours commercial truck drivers can spend behind the wheel. A decision is expected Thursday on the proposal. If passed, the new regulations would be added to a host of other safety regulations already in place.
Senior Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Rick Oaks says his department sees thousands of commercial truck safety violations every year on Utah roads. He pulled over a truck while our camera was rolling for a mismarked bumper, but ultimately twelve violations were found including brake problems.” This trailer could roll down the road and into oncoming traffic it could just go until inertia causes it to stop.”
Brake issues are the second most common problem spotted by Utah troopers when trucks are pulled over for inspection. The most common violation is driver fatigue.” Fatigue is an impairment the same as someone might be impaired by alcohol or drugs. We just don't respond properly."
The new regulations under consideration by the Federal Government would further limit the number of hours drivers can be behind the wheel. If passed, the daily total would be reduced from eleven to ten. There will also be mandatory thirty minute breaks after seven hours of driving.
Drivers we spoke with were not in favor of the changes. The trucking industry says the additional hours lost on the road will amount a billion dollars in losses.
They point out, and Trooper Rick Oaks agrees, a vast majority of truckers are safe, responsible and professional.
