Final Answer:
The driver needs 15 hours off the following day.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to determine the total hours the driver needs off the following day, we sum the initial 9 hours off with the standard 10-hour rest break required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This results in a total of 19 hours off duty. However, the FMCSA allows a driver to exclude the time spent in the sleeper berth from the 10-hour break requirement.
If the driver spends at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, only 2 hours count against the 10-hour requirement. Therefore, subtracting these 2 hours from the total gives us the final answer of 15 hours off duty the following day.
This calculation ensures compliance with the FMCSA regulations while considering the nuances of sleeper berth time. It is crucial for drivers to manage their off-duty time effectively to maintain safety and prevent fatigue-related issues on the road.