Truckers to Get 1 Hour More of Drive Time

Truck drivers will be able to stay on the road for up to 11 straight hours but will have to take at least 10 hours off before they can again get behind the wheels of their rigs, according to new federal regulations.

The government said the new rules will make the roads safer because truckers will have to rest for two more hours than they do now between driving shifts. The Transportation Department said the change would cut deaths associated with truck driver fatigue from 440 to 335 a year.

Some safety groups and the truckers’ union said adding an hour of allowable driving time will mean more dangerously tired truckers on the road.