Truck Drivers Required To Climb Out Of The Seat After 12 Hours In Florida

Bob Carroll

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Florida ranked second last year in the U.S. for the number of fatal large-vehicle crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is why, according to TampaBays10.com, new regulations require more rest and fewer hours behind the wheel for truck drivers in our state.

New restrictions reduce driving hours for truckers in Fla.

Truck drivers traveling in Florida must spend fewer hours behind the wheel, according to new state driving restrictions that took effect this week.

A truck driver traveling in Florida now can't drive more than 12 hours following ten consecutive hours of rest. The previous state rule allowed driving for 15 hours after eight hours off duty.

State officials say the regulation was changed to reduce the number of crashes linked to tired truck drivers.

From where I sit 12 hours of driving a tractor-trailer on interstate highways still sounds like too many hours in the saddle. But, it is an improvement that may save lives and serious injuries.