Ice leads to HOS suspension for some in Okla.

An ice storm caused power outages and driving difficulties in Oklahoma recently.An ice storm caused power outages and driving difficulties in Oklahoma recently.

The recent winter storm that spread freezing rain across much of the U.S. led one governor to declare a state of emergency and suspend some trucking regulations temporarily.

Gov. Mary Fallin declared a state of emergency in Oklahoma, which relaxed hours-of-service rules for drivers providing “direct assistance” to relief efforts.

The emergency declaration is effective through Feb. 11.

The governor’s order means direct assistance only applies to the “restoration of essential services” such as electrical, sewer, water and telecommunications, and for supplies such as feed, food and fuel.