Chinks in the armor

Not scared, but that is the point, neither would prevent it. They are both just recording what you note.

 

Imagine a world with no HOS regulation at all. Society recognized when trucking was in it's infancy in 1935 that some companies were forcing their drivers to drive well beyond human fatigue limits. And independent drivers in a financial bind were doing the same. The carnage was widespread.
It would be no different today if there were no rules. Imperfect as they are it is preferable to a virtual free for all on the highway. Work to change the HOS rules, not complain about how they are recorded.

 

Bad rules that are able to be massaged can be worked with reasonably. Bad rules plus strict enforcement brings about an intolerant working environment. "I've GOT to pass you, because I'm 1/2 mph faster and MY CLOCK IS TICKING" clashes with the "I don't give a rip if you're only 1/2 mph faster than me, I'm NOT backing out of it even for a second because MY CLOCK IS TICKING!" Gone is common courtesy, and right with it common sense. "I know I'm tired, but I can't stop for a quick power nap because MY CLOCK IS TICKING!"

One thing I'm noticing is that I57 around here is really giving I70 in Terre Haute a run for its money. Every day, seems there are 2-3 wrecks involving semi trucks flipped over or rammed into one another. Hasn't always been the case, but seems to be getting worse as the ELD enforcement date draws near and more companies are making the switch. The frequency of truck wrecks is increasing quite rapidly, and makes me glad I don't spend much time on the interstate with the knuckleheads who can't do their job safely.

 

How about two sets of rules. One for the DOT and another for the department of labor? One set to keep us from driving too long and one set to keep employers from enslaving drivers. The DOT rules would be very generous and we could keep the current rules as something employers can't push the driver past.

 

How about 16 hours a day, driving or working. If you hit 70 hrs in 6 days requires a 24 hr break hit 80 in 6 and that would require a 36 hr break. Easy and based on what the Good Lord said was best, work 6 and rest 1.

 

You are so right, let's get rid of every law and rule and let's all run around naked and amok and drink water with lead and arsenic in it.

 

I've been out here a while, when only Werner had elogs and the 1/2 mile an hour faster truck passed back then too.
Look at all the 90mph moms driving along, they aren't on elogs or a hurry, it's the way it is.
The traffic has really changed in the last couple of years, plus last year brought us the Cubs winning the World Series, a mediocre horse won the Triple Crown and trump, a reality star being elected.
It's like we're living out the last days of the Rapture, we're the dammed and it really doesn't matter

 

Ok, rather than drive when I am awake and sleep when I am tired, I will start day 1, get as close to 11/14 as I dare, stop for the required 10 hours, and carry on day 2 to again try to maximize my available hours, giving no regard to the quality of rest I got. Repeat. Did the truck stop and if I am able to turn myself on and off according to what a government mandated computer says? Yes the truck stopped and *maybe* I got decent rest. Some days I will be awake for the bulk of my 10 hour break and I will continue on anyway. Safer? No. More legal? Yes. What is the goal again here??