We all would agree that no price tag can be put on safety. I applaud the government s rulemaking efforts to reduce vehicle crashes on America s highways and agree we must limit the number of hours a driver can work. However, in a dynamic economy, we must also think realistically on the best way to keep businesses in the black. We need a system that is less dogmatic and categorical in favor of one based more on a trucking company s operational performance. I speak mainly from the perspective of effectiveness.
Categorical limitations assume all drivers in that type are identical.
Further, a rule can force a driver to be off duty, but the government cannot monitor the quality of a driver s rest during off-duty time. I am aware of no reliable or affordable test to determine the mental and physical status of a driver returning to work. The old adage, I had to come back to work to get a rest, applies all too often in our hectic environment. A rule of numbers falls short in this regard, and other alternatives should be considered. Specific to fatigued drivers, one possible alternative would be to adopt a rule that targets risk-related diseases and behaviors.