Option to Trade bio monitoring for more driving hours?

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by The Progressive, Jan 3, 2013.

  1. The Progressive

    The Progressive Bobtail Member

    14
    2
    Jan 3, 2013
    0
    In studying the possibility of becoming a truck driver, I've read quite a bit about the regulations on the hours drivers can work and drive. I don't understand the intricacies of resets and split berther time, but I'm still going to weigh in with my own idea for improving safety and giving drivers the option to drive up to fourteen hours a day-- in exchange for bio-sensor monitoring to verify breaks are being taken devoted to deep relaxation-- lying in a dark sleeper or wearing a sleep mask, using active noise cancelling headphones if needed and/or audio of nature sounds or relaxation-inducing binaural beats/tones, and doing controlled breathing. Driving a big rig is inherently dangerous and stressful. For drivers to perform at or near their peak skill/ reflexes, they must relieve this stress every few hours, with a break of 5 to 10 minutes after 3.5- 4.5 hours, and 15 to 20 minutes after 8 hours . Considering how dangerous a big rig is going 60+ MPH in heavy passenger vehicle traffic, isn't it smart to use technology to verify that drivers are taking the breaks they should, especially when it's no more intrusive/ burdensome on drivers than attaching a small sensor or two to your ear(s) or forehead? It would make everyone safer. And with this break verification, drivers could drive more hours safely, provided drivers "make up" for exceeding a limit of 15 or 16 hours for a work day, get 32 continuous hours off weekly and 56 off every 2 weeks. It's a "win-win"-- it's good for companies/ owners because they get more productivity/profit out of their rigs, and drivers get more hours if/when they want them. I also think there should be mandatory, out-of-the-truck, sensor-verified five-minute breaks every two hours(weather permitting).. to get drivers out of the seat and reduce the risk of thrombosis, backache, hemorrhoids, etc. associated with sitting for hours, and that could be a safety impairing distraction.
     
    Last edited: Jan 4, 2013
    scottied67 Thanks this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Bayle

    Bayle Road Train Member

    3,060
    1,228
    Aug 30, 2007
    Cottage Grove, MN
    0
    More than likely the way government regulates; it will do the exact opposite and further restrict hours. They never give more only take away. I had to add as I thought more on this. First off, I do not want to be forced out of the truck if I don't feel the need to get out. Almost every trip I do is different and some days I stop every couple of hours, some days I can go 8 to 10 hours without stopping. Also the technology in the seats these days is such that when I get in my personal car for a time I get a backache the truck helps mine. Theory is all well and good on paper, but rarely translates to actual real world circumstance. That's why so many drivers complain (myself included) about stupid non-sensical regulation that only drives up costs in the long run and doesn't do any real good.
     
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2013
  4. not4hire

    not4hire Road Train Member

    7,142
    26,957
    May 16, 2012
    Calgary
    0
    I have a better idea; use an anal probe to tell when the driver is in the seat.

    You first.
     
  5. Semi Crazy

    Semi Crazy Road Train Member

    3,033
    2,046
    May 13, 2011
    Middle Tennessee
    0
    OP's handle says it all...
     
    Bayle Thanks this.
  6. GoneButNotForgotten

    GoneButNotForgotten Heavy Load Member

    930
    1,844
    Dec 30, 2009
    Roxboro, N.C.
    0
    Your best bet would be to get out there and drive for a while, not study it, but drive. Your thesis might change.
     
  7. The Progressive

    The Progressive Bobtail Member

    14
    2
    Jan 3, 2013
    0
    Now, now.. I think it can be accomplished with a pressure sensitive switch somewhere.
     
    Meltom Thanks this.
  8. The Progressive

    The Progressive Bobtail Member

    14
    2
    Jan 3, 2013
    0
    The fact that you go 8 to 10 hours without stopping because you don't feel like it doesn't negate the scientific fact of it being unhealthy and significantly reduces your safety factor.
     
  9. Bayle

    Bayle Road Train Member

    3,060
    1,228
    Aug 30, 2007
    Cottage Grove, MN
    0
    How is it you or anyone else is to decide that for me? Do you know me, can you feel what I'm feeling, can you read my mind, and know what I'm thinking? There are no blanket solutions for everything as much as the so called 'educated' want to think there is. NOT everyone is the same, we all are different. Some people are fine with 5 hours of sleep, others need 10. I could go on, but you won't care or even listen anyway.
     
    Coolbreeze Thanks this.
  10. Coolbreeze

    Coolbreeze Light Load Member

    199
    115
    May 13, 2008
    Atlanta, Ga.
    0
    "MY" health is none of "YOUR" business. The fact that I have 17 years accident free, must mean I'm doing something right. And I'll tell ya, my left door stay's shut.
     
    Bayle Thanks this.
  11. pokerhound67

    pokerhound67 Heavy Load Member

    801
    665
    Oct 30, 2012
    0
    seriously though...do you honestly think the government can regulate its way to a perfect world? if so, where id your "scientific proof" of this? seems that they do a poor job at least 80% of the time.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 4, 2013
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.