What features of the new proposed HOS rule can improve truck driver and highway safety?
· Circadian (24-Hour) Clock – The proposed rule requires that work and rest alternate only within a 24-hour period, that is, it eliminates the abuse of the current rule which allows drivers to work/drive and rest on an 18-hour “clock.” These rotating schedules of work and rest, which are less than a 24-hour period, are recognized by the FMCSA as very dangerous to commercial driver safety. · Limited Weekly Work Time – In general, the proposed rule limits total work time for most drivers to 60 hours each week, but there are exceptions. · Generally Longer Daily Off-Duty Rest Periods – In general, drivers must take between 9 to 12 continuous off-duty hours each workday as a single block of time for rest and sleep. · Prohibition On Interruption of Continuous Off-Duty Rest Time – The proposed rule provides that any interruption of the continuous block of off-duty rest time by dispatchers, shippers, or consignees requires re-starting the full length of the off-duty period. · Prohibition of Sp
