The top U.S. agency responsible for investigating transportation accidents has warned that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) proposed changes to hours-of-service (HOS) regulations have the potential to increase the risk of fatigue-related crashes.
In comments submitted to the FMCSA on October 3, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) contends that the amendments to the regulation being considered would actually weaken aspects of the HOS rules.
“Although the FMCSA has provided support that the individual changes to the regulations will increase flexibility, the agency has presented no evidence that the proposed changes will improve highway safety,” wrote NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt. “Further, the agency has not evaluated the potential combined effects of relaxing multiple aspects of the regulations simultaneously.”
The flexibility provided within the FMCSA’s proposal has been welcomed for the most part by much of the trucking industry, particularly major trucking associations and large carriers, although concern has been raised that the rules increase the potential for driver abuse and coercion by employers and shippers.
But Sumwalt pointed out that this new flexibility would open the door to more driving time and shorter periods required in the sleeper berth. “These proposed provisions have the potential to increase driver wake time, reduce sleep time, and foster inconsistent schedules, thereby increasing the risk of fatigue-related crashes.”
The FMCSA has received roughly 7,000 comments on the proposed changes. Those submitted by the NTSB, whose five board members are nominated by the President, may so far carry the most clout.
Gary Halbert, a former general counsel to the NTSB and now a partner at the law firm Holland & Knight, said that having worked both inside and outside the agency, “it’s been my perception that when it comes to safety recommendations, the NTSB is able to punch above its class,” Halbert told FreightWaves. “Those recommendations carry a lot of influence on Capitol Hill, and because of that, it’s treated very seriously by the regulatory rulemaking agencies.”
Halbert explained that because the agency does not promote a particular agenda – it doesn’t conduct cost-benefit analyses or get involved in U.S. global competitiveness issues, for example – it’s perceived as an “honest broker” on transportation safety.
“That gives the NTSB great persuasive power,” he said. “I think the success rate of the NTSB in promoting their safety recommendations historically is around 80% – that’s a meaningful statistic in my mind.”
Source: SONAR
The NTSB has been keeping step with trucking HOS regulations as they have evolved over the years. In 2003, then-Chairman Ellen Engleman called the revised changes issued at that time “an important step toward addressing fatigue on our nation’s highways.”
However, in comments submitted last year on the FMCSA’s Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking – the precursor to the current proposal – the NTSB said there was “no science-based evidence” of improved safety in the proposal. It also rejected the rationale to “weaken” the regulations because it is easier to enforce them now that electronic logging devices (ELDs) are required.
“For more than 25 years, the NTSB has supported implementing ELDs and believes that ELDs paired with science-based HOS regulations will reduce the number of fatigue-related crashes,” Sumwalt asserted. “The NTSB believes that a science-based safety evaluation of the current HOS regulations combined with the implementation of ELDs is needed before changes are made to the rules.”
Dean
The proposed changes do help BUT, wanna make a real difference GET RID OF THE 14 HOUR RULE. Drivers are chasing the clock and they are tired while they are doing it. How can people not realize this? You come out with rules that force drivers to drive to get their hours in. I do more tired driving now than I have ever done before. Then come out with the ELD MANDATE that take out the ability to cut corner and force me to drive right thru. Eventually you will get rid of the 14 hr clock, please do it sooner than later. JUST LOOK AT THE CRASH DATA THEN AGAIN AFTER THE ELD MANDATE!!!! Just My opinion after 2 MILLION ACCIDENT FREE MILES. THANK YOU.
John Trucker
The FMCSA is trying to find somewhat of a “Workable” happy medium in the mix of drivers, shippers, transportation companies and enforcement. I applaud the FMCSA’s efforts! IF NTSB is to be the omniscient arbiter of all things great, then let’s start with the following. 1) “the NTSB said there was “no science-based evidence” of improved safety in the proposal”. 1a.) Please….NTSB tell us how the number of recordable accidents has risen per 100 million VMT in the current mandated ELD/AOBRD environment? Compliance will make us safer….correct? Fix the problem NTSB. 2) “although concern has been raised that the rules increase the potential for driver abuse and coercion by employers and shippers. ” 2a) The FMCSA has worked towards anti-coercion with regard to abuse from transportation companies. The FMCSA has little influence over shippers and receivers. Turn the NTSB loose on these obstinate and disruptive shippers who have no regard for the HOS and create the need for flexibility in the first place. This job requires “Great Persuasive Power” from an “Honest Broker” Sounds like it is time for the NTSB to earn it’s tax dollars and show us all what an effective gov’t. organization can really accomplish.
Shane Koser
All these people who probably never drove a truck in their life tryin to make rules for people that do. Makes no sense. Why dont they just stfu and let the new rule go through. Theres no evidence that the law the way it is makes the highway safer. I drive the east coast from FL to PA every week and I still see accidents. Wish I had the power to tell people when to go to bed and when to take a break and how long I gotta sleep . Get off our asses and let us do our jobs you worthless pricks!!
Doug
Amen