Long-haul truck drivers are essential to a successful global supply chain. They have the important task of ensuring their cargo, themselves, and other drivers on the road remain safe while meeting tight delivery deadlines. This pressure to quickly travel from one location to another to maximise profit for their companies and their income can lead to cutting back on necessary rest times. That is why there are laws to ensure truck drivers get the needed rest before they get back behind the wheel.
What Australian Law States on Driving Hours
A driver in Australia must abide by the Standard Hours of Service regulations, which state they cannot drive more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period. Furthermore, they must take a 15-minute break after working for 5.5 hours to ensure safety and well-being.
Driving limits are set to help protect truck drivers and other drivers on the road by reducing the risk of collisions and accidents due to fatigue. Data shows that fatigue-related issues are a major cause of trucking accidents, so these limits are a way to ensure that drivers are alert and safe while behind the wheel. Limiting the amount of time a driver can be on the road makes them less likely to become fatigued and make dangerous mistakes.
Driving Limits for Different Carriers
Truck drivers can drive up to 11 hours a day, but they must take ten consecutive hours off before driving again. Additionally, they can only drive a maximum of 60 hours in seven consecutive days or 70 hours in eight consecutive days. After that, they must take 34 consecutive hours off before driving again. These rules must be followed at all times.
The 11-Hour Driving Limit
The 11-hour driving limit requires drivers to take a break after 8 hours of consecutive driving. After eight hours of driving, the driver must stop and rest for at least 30 minutes before continuing their journey. This break should allow the driver to rest and recuperate before continuing their journey.
The 14-Hour Driving Window
The 14-hour window for driving your truck has a time limit of 14 hours. You must have previously rested for ten consecutive hours to be eligible for that. Once you have reached the 14-hour mark, you have to take a 10-hour break, even if you have only driven for 11 hours.
The 60/70 Hour Duty Limit
The 60/70 Hour Duty Limit is a regulation that limits how much time a CDL driver can be on the road in a given week. A driver can drive up to 60 hours during a seven-day period or 70 hours during an eight-day span, after which they must take a 34-hour break to start the clock over again.
Conclusion
The driving hour limits for truck drivers are an important safety regulation that helps to ensure that drivers are not operating their vehicles for too long and putting themselves and other drivers on the road at risk. The driving hour limits for truck drivers in Australia have improved the safety of roads and highways, reduced fatigue-related accidents, and reduced the number of truck-related fatalities. These regulations are in place to protect truck drivers and other drivers on the road, and it is important to remember to follow them to ensure the safety of everyone.
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