The federal government is making sure nothing will get in the way of Independence Day firework shows next week.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is allowing exemptions to truck driver rules that prevent drivers from being on duty for more than 14 hours, according to the latest edition of Federal Register.
The exemptions apply to Illumination Fireworks and ACE Pyro truck drivers affiliated with the staging of fireworks shows celebrating Independence Day and run from June 28 to July 8. The request was granted this week.
The reason behind the requested exemption is, of course, money.
The two companies that applied for the exemption assert, “Compliance with the 14-hour rule would impose economic hardship on cities, municipalities, and themselves. Complying with the existing regulations means most shows would require two drivers, significantly increasing the cost of the fireworks display.”
According to Michigan-based firework company Captain Boom, the average fireworks show for the 4th of July ranges anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000.
The major celebration in D.C. cost more than $200,000 last year.
With the truck drivers in place and the costs lowered, this year’s shows will most definitely go on.
