The federal motor carrier safety agency is preparing to ask the White House budget office to sign off on a data-gathering effort tied to a trial of more adaptable rest-period options for truck operators. Roughly 256 drivers will take part, with researchers comparing their alertness and on-road performance under today's driving-time rules versus under special exemptions that allow more freedom in dividing rest time in the bunk. The agency is also seeking public feedback on the proposal.
Key Points
- The agency intends to submit the data-collection plan to the Office of Management and Budget for approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act.
- The research looks at whether more adaptable bunk-rest arrangements can make life and work better for American truckers.
- Investigators also want to learn if safety results stay level with, or improve on, those under existing regulations.
- About 256 commercial truck and bus drivers will supply information for the project.
- Fatigue levels and driving behavior will be compared between drivers following standard hours rules and those operating under the flexible-rest exemptions.
Why It Matters
The findings will give regulators evidence on whether splitting rest time in the sleeper berth more flexibly can maintain safety levels while improving drivers' working conditions.