Sleep Researchers Propose 'Flexible' Fatigue Management In Current Hours Framework

WASHINGTON — Sleep researchers say they have found a way for long-haul truck drivers to combat fatigue while still working with the current hours-of-service regulations.

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A “fatigue operating plan” could let drivers drive when they are rested rather than following a mandated schedule, said Anthony J. McMahon, former general counsel of the Federal Highway Administration and a trucking attorney who is now president of the Safety Research Center in Bethesda, Md. In lieu of keeping paper logbooks, the drivers would be tracked electronically by the trucking company.

His group proposes a broad study to determine if the existing rules can be made more flexible for the drivers and their companies.

The center, a Maryland-based non-profit organization, released its plans at a press conference Oct. 18. McMahon said initial research, involving nine drivers, was conducted at Stanford University’s Sleep Research Center and was paid for by two trucking companies, Dart Transit of Eagan, Minn., and Star Transport of Morton, Ill.

For the full story, see the Oct. 23 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.