A Refresher on Driving Hours | West Coast Enterprises

The hours can run into each other while on the road, and whether you are an avid podcast listener or you love to drive in the peaceful silence, it can be easy to get distracted and not keep an eye on the clock. However, driving until you are exhausted is dangerous!

That is why there are rules and regulations set in place to keep you safe while on the road. An overworked driver can lead to accidents and even life-threatening situations. Refresh your memory on the different driving hour regulations and breaks so you can stay in compliance while driving.

Property-Carrying Drivers

If you drive a truck loaded with freight or goods, your max driving limit is 11 hours at a time, only after you have taken 10 consecutive hours off duty. In addition, all drivers must take a 30-minute break once they have been driving for eight cumulative hours without an interruption. If you are driving along and realize that you are getting close to this limit, it’s time to pull over.

In addition, there is also a limit on the number of hours and days that you can work in a row. For example, if you work for seven consecutive days, you cannot drive more than 70 hours total without taking a break. After those seven days are up, a rest period of 34 or more hours is required before getting behind the wheel again.

What to Do During the Rest Period

If you are an active person and don’t like to sit and wait idly by for the time to pass, we feel you! The trucking life is exciting and you are constantly on the move to the next location, so it can be hard to slow down and rest. However, resting is so important for your health and safety, as well as the safety of the other people on the road with you.

If you have reached your 11-hour limit, pull over and consider taking a nap or getting some solid sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to slowed thinking, reduced attention span and even risky decision-making. Just be sure to lock your doors and secure your cabin before catching those ZZZs.

The 30-minute required breaks can be a bit easier to navigate! Getting out of your truck and stretching your legs at a rest stop can help reduce your risk of developing a blood clot, and it is also just good for your body to stretch out and move regularly. Plan out your route before you even get going and find some fun pull-off zones or scenic overlooks that you can enjoy while taking your required rests along your journey.

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