Up Front

HOS a real head-spinner

The original hours-of-service regulations were implemented in 1939, and the rules remained virtually unchanged for more than 60 years. In 1995, Congress, concerned that driver fatigue was a contributing factor in crashes involving big rigs, ordered the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to take another look at the rules. Eight years and countless studies and hearings later, FMCSA issued the first significant revision to the HOS regulations since 1939.
     End of story, right? Are you kidding me? This is the trucking industry we’re talking about, where everyone and their mother seems to have an opinion on how truck drivers should go about their business. Carrier associations, driver organizations, citizen safety groups and government officials all weighed in with their “expert opinions.” Over the past few years, the “new” HOS have been revisited and re-revised, tweaked and twisted (tortured?) in courts of law, as well as the court of public opinion, with no end in sight. For the latest in the never-ending HOS story, see this month’s “Life on the Road” column (page 56).
     From the drivers’ viewpoint, the HOS soap opera might be amusing if it weren’t so annoying. Since everyone has an opinion on the matter, here’s our two cents: Drive legally. Drive safely. Stay healthy. And stay tuned for the next episode of “How the HOS Turns.”