I kind of don't get the point of HOS either. Ironic if you know me, but really I don't see the point to them.
Yeah the HOS history goes back to the 30's but enforcement was almost nonexistent. They didn't even have the interstates back then. It was when I was a kid somewhere in the early 60's they made changes to the original HOS rules. All the stories I heard were from the 60's and 70's. I'd like to hear more about the old old days.
After a certain point decision making slows, reaction time slows, things that get you in trouble fast at speed (or on it ) Doc has the option of stepping back to think or consult, not happening when a steer pops at 70.
They most certainly do! I had severe leg fracture in 2005 and my surgeon mis diagnosed my symtoms for a bone infection and I almost lost my leg, then during recovery he mis diagnosed a hair line fracture above my compound fracture. Every single time I was seen by him in his office he was dead tired one time to the point he was barely awake. Thats when my wife and I got up and refussed for him to see me that day. I told his front desk that I wasn't pleased and they had better make dang sure that he is awake and alert the next time I come through those doors.
My thought process is like this. HOS and being safe aren't mutually inclusive. Betweeen the ever changing technology, and customers unwillingness to allow drivers to break on their property the HOS should be becoming more flexible instead of more strict. Couple that with companies trying to increase the Operating Ratio and maximize drivers utilization.... Anyways, the goals end up being counter-productive.