TRUCK DRIVERS UNDER NEW RULES AND REGULATIONS

He`s been driving 18 wheelers for 35 years and owns and operates his own truck... Johnny Moore has been following the same rules and regulations as long as he`s been driving...That`s because they`ve been the same for over 60 years until now. "Fatigue is a major factor of wrecks. These new rules make drivers not as fatigued and be better drivers," says State Trooper Tracy Nelson. Truckers are now required to rest 10 hours, compared to 8, and drive 11 hours compared to 10. They may not drive after being on duty for 70 hours in an 8 day period. the work cycle is then restarted after The driver is off 34 straight hours. The new rule requires drivers to get more rest. The majority of truck drivers said they are not excited about the change, but officials say they are doing it to save lives. "I rest when I`m tired and if they say I have to drive 11 hours continuously , it`s going to cause more accidents," says truck driver Johnny Moore. Officers want to make sure everyone unerstands the rules, therefore they are issuing warnings instead of tickets. "We always try to give them a little buffer and allow them to get use to it," says Nelson. Changing rules that have been effective for over 60 years won`t be easy, but knowing truckers are getting more rest before hitting the roads, leaves everyone else feeling more at ease. JANA JACOBS-REPORTER WDHN 18