Letters to the Editor: Hours of Service

believe drivers were comfortable with the previous hours-of-service rules. They had enough rest, regardless of whether they rested during a split-sleeper-berth period or a full 10 hours of off-duty time.

The federal government is making it impossible for drivers to maintain their responsibilities to themselves and their families. This country depends on trucking. Our nation would dissolve and the economy would weaken more than it already has. We need to keep the hours rules the same as they are.

Nancy Cellura

eserve Transportation

olon, Ohio

Drivers have been able to take two rest periods of two or more hours, but they must equal 10 hours, for example, two and eight, or four and six.

The new rule does not allow for splitting the rest period. It does, however, allow a driver to log two of the 10 hours required to meet the regulation as off duty, but the off-duty and sleeper times must equal 10 hours.

Steve Cox

i>Safety Director

urdy Bros. Trucking

oudon, Tenn.

The desk jockeys trying to make rules regarding hours of service have no idea what the implications are. Granted, the system needed to be changed, but why not involve the people who actually do the job in the process?

Speaking from a driver’s point of view, if I can’t take a rest break during my tour of duty, I will be more fatigued. From a manager’s point of view, I want drivers to be alert and awake so as to reduce the company’s exposure to accidents.

The current rules are causing more fatigue than ever — not to mention the problem of “truckers’ bombs” littering the highways, caused by drivers who are pushed for time and feel they can’t stop to use proper restroom facilities.

In my mind, the best change to come along in 63 years was the 34-hour restart. Let’s use our heads and involve some of the workers in such changes.

Leigh Cromleigh

i>General Manager

ommercial Lease Services

leveland

These letters appear in the Sept. 12 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.