The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's hours of service regulations are designed to prevent accidents caused by fatigued truck drivers and protect motorists in Pennsylvania and around the country. The current rules were put into place in 2013, but they have been widely criticized by trade groups including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. According to the OOIDA, the present 14-hour regulation compels drivers to remain behind the wheel even when they are tired and forces them onto the roads in poor weather and when traffic is at its heaviest.
OOIDA calls for revised hours of service rules
Drowsy driving may factor into nearly 10 percent of crashes
Pennsylvania drivers may be interested to learn that drowsing driving could be a factor in as many as 9.5 percent of car accidents. These figures, which come from a new study, are much higher than U.S. government statistics, which have indicated that drowsy driving is only a factor in about 1 to 2 percent of car accidents.
Why drivers may pay more for texting and driving
Pennsylvania drivers may find that smartphone use could eventually play a role in determining their insurance premiums. Those in the insurance industry believe that drivers can be "coached out" of using their phones while driving. Therefore, basing premiums on smartphone use could lead to safer roads. A company called Arity tracks how smartphones are used in a vehicle.
The perils of drugged driving
Thanks to a decades-long campaign to get drunk drivers off the road, people living in Pennsylvania are well aware of the perils of drinking and driving. Sometimes, however, people are not as aware of the very real problem of drugged driving, which is getting behind the wheel after using legal or illegal drugs.
Don't be afraid to report unsafe work conditions
Everyone expects safe working environments; places and spaces where you don't have to worry about job hazards that may put you and your co-workers at risk of injury.
