DRIVERS RESPONSIBILITY / DUTY TO INSPECT

There are a number of responsibilities that a truck driver and tractor trailer driver must follow. These items include:

• Comply with rules regarding Maximum Driving and On Duty Time
• Keep accurate logs of on and off duty status
• No Alcohol or drug legal or illegal that affect ability to drive
• Not to drive while fatigued or in violation of hours of service regulations
• Vehicle Condition
• Safety Inspection

Comply with rules regarding Maximum Driving and On Duty Time:

Truck drivers, may not:

• Drive more than 12 hours following eight consecutive hours off duty; or

• For any period after having been on duty 15 hours following eight consecutive hours off duty.

Keep accurate logs of on and off duty status:

Every motor carrier shall require every driver used by the motor carrier to record his/her duty status for each 24 hour period. The information that must be recorded is as follows:

• Date
• Total Miles driving today
• Bus, truck, tractor, and trailer number
• Name of carrier
• Drivers signature / certificate
• 24 hour period starting time
• Main office address
• Name of co-driver
• Total hours
• Shipping document number(s) or name of shipper and commodity

No Alcohol or drug legal or illegal that affect ability to drive:

No person shall operate a commercial motor vehicle when that persons blood alcohol level is found to be 0.01% by weight, or greater. No person shall be on duty or operate a commercial motor vehicle while the driver possesses and alcoholic beverage of not less than one-half of one per centum of alcohol by volume.

Not to drive while fatigued or in violation of hours of service regulations:

No driver shall operate a motor vehicle, and a motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver to operate a motor vehicle, while the driver's alertness is impaired through fatigue, illness, or other cause.

Vehicle Condition - Daily Inspection and Written Reports by Drivers:

Inspection:

Before driving a motor vehicle, the driver shall:

• Inspect the vehicle daily to ascertain that it is in safe operating condition and equipment is in good working order.

• Review the last vehicle inspection report.

• Sign the report

Daily Report - Truck Drivers:

Truck driver daily shall:

• Service brakes including trailer brake connection
• Parking hand brake
• Steering mechanism
• Lighting devices and reflectors
• Tires
• Horn
• Windshield wipers
• Rear vision mirrors
• Coupling devices
• Wheels and rims
• Emergency equipment