After epic flooding in the Carolinas forced officials to declare a state of emergency, the governors of both states have announced that HOS rules will be suspended for some drivers. In addition, some weight limitations have been lifted because of the disaster.
The move was made so that truckers could bring in food, equipment, medicine, and supplies to help with the flood relief effort.
The easing of regulations may mean that truckers have more legal freedom to move through the area, but they will still struggle with the disastrous effects that 20 inches of heavy rain have had on the area. At least 9 dams have been compromised or failed completely in South Carolina since Saturday. Numerous bridges have flooded and many roads have collapsed. 550 roads and bridges have been closed. Worse, experts say that the rivers might not crest for another two weeks.
At least 14 people have died so far as a result of the flooding. Thousands of people are without power and water.
You can read the details of how North Carolina’s emergency declaration will affect truckers here.
The details of the South Carolina emergency declaration are listed in the document below.
[su_document url=”http://governor.sc.gov/Documents/2015-22%20Suspending%20Federal%20Regulations%20for%20Commercial%20Truck%20Drivers%20during%20Emergency.pdf” width=”700″]
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHysjhUCuf8″ width=”700″ height=”500″]
Sources:
The Southen Illinoisian
The Wall Street Journal
CNN