Despite the American public’s overwhelming opposition to increasing the number of hours that a truck driver can work each week, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) has introduced legislation that would increase truckers’ weekly hours from 70 to 82.  The “Collins Amendment” is currently before the Appropriations Committee.

In a recent poll conducted by Lake Research Partners, 80% of those surveyed oppose longer work weeks for truck drivers and would feel less safe if truck drivers are allowed to drive 82 hours, as opposed to 70.  The American public has good reason for concern as fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of fatal and catastrophic truck crashes.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) studies have revealed that 65% of truck drivers often or sometimes feel drowsy while driving and nearly 50% of truckers admit that they have actually fallen asleep while driving within the last year.  It is estimated that the current hours-of-service rules will prevent approximately 1,400 truck crashes each year, which will save 19 lives, avoid 560 injuries and save hundreds of millions of dollars from fewer crashes and improved driver health.

As a Personal Injury attorney in New Jersey, I have seen many people suffer from injuries due to a truck accident. We need to make the roads a safer place. The proposed legislation  ignores the voice of her constituents and the American public and makes the roadways significantly less safe for all of us. If you have been injured by a trucking accident in New Jersey, contact Stark & Stark for a free consultation.