Driver Fatigue Worksheet?

[Myth_Buster]

http://www.mntruck.org/pdf/fatigueflier.pdf

The link is for a Minnesota State Police Driver Fatigue Worksheet. Drivers may want to drop a line to Minnesota to express their thoughts.

Be safe.

[golfhobo]

http://www.mntruck.org/pdf/fatigueflier.pdf

The link is for a Minnesota State Police Driver Fatigue Worksheet. Drivers may want to drop a line to Minnesota to express their thoughts.

Be safe.

You go first! :lol2::lol2:

[Jackrabbit379]

Let me get this straight...
The State of Minnesota is charging folks, for drivers calling in?
"Hello, come in! This is the Jackrabbit! I'm getting tired. Anybody there?"'

:p :lol:

[Windwalker]

I'm afraid my computer takes issues with "PDF" files. But, I'm curious... just who uses these "DRIVER FATIGUE WORKSHEETS"? The driver of MN state police? Is it going to be something like a logbook that we have to have in MN?

[Uturn2001]

The PDF file is an "advertisement" for a seminar that was held on Feb 9, 2009 in MN. The seminar was sponsored by the Minnesota Trucking Association and the speaker was a Capt from the MN state police. The topic was driver fatigue and the role it plays in CMV crashes.

On the back of this flier is a copy of the checklist the MN state police currently uses in order to determine if a driver is fatigued and just how fatigued that driver may be.

There are quite a few items that are examined that go into the Evaluation Checklist. Some you might expect on such a checklist, quite a few you wouldn't and some items I have no idea how a LEO would even know about without a fairly major investigation.

The brief outline of the seminar given does not indicate if this checklist is used by patrols, crash investigators, weigh stations, all or a combination of them.

[Rev.Vassago]

There are quite a few items that are examined that go into the Evaluation Checklist. Some you might expect on such a checklist, quite a few you wouldn't and some items I have no idea how a LEO would even know about without a fairly major investigation.

After reading that checklist, it became fairly clear to me that about half that checklist was for profiling purposes. Whether or not a driver's trash can is full does not determine their level of fatigue. The contents of their sleeper (which are irrelevant to a DOT officer without a search warrant or probable cause) do not determine their level of fatigue. The cleanliness of the exterior of their truck does not determine their level of fatigue.

If MN DOT is using this checklist in an attempt to profile drivers, they are doing a disservice to the industry.

:roll:

[Myth_Buster]

After reading that checklist, it became fairly clear to me that about half that checklist was for profiling purposes. Whether or not a driver's trash can is full does not determine their level of fatigue. The contents of their sleeper (which are irrelevant to a DOT officer without a search warrant or probable cause) do not determine their level of fatigue. The cleanliness of the exterior of their truck does not determine their level of fatigue.

If MN DOT is using this checklist in an attempt to profile drivers, they are doing a disservice to the industry.

:roll:

Subpart G—Miscellaneous parts and accessories
§393.76 Sleeper berths.

(e) Equipment. A sleeper berth must be properly equipped for sleeping. Its equipment must include:

(e)(1) Adequate bedclothing and blankets; and

(e)(2) Either:

(e)(2)(i) Springs and a mattress; or

(e)(2)(ii) An innerspring mattress; or

(e)(2)(iii) A cellular rubber or flexible foam mattress at least four inches thick; or

(e)(2)(iv) A mattress filled with a fluid and of sufficient thickness when filled to prevent “bottoming-out” when occupied while the vehicle is in motion.

(f) Ventilation. A sleeper berth must have louvers or other means of providing adequate ventilation. A sleeper berth must be reasonably tight against dust and rain.

(g) Protection against exhaust and fuel leaks and exhaust heat. A sleeper berth must be located so that leaks in the vehicle’s exhaust system or fuel system do not permit fuel, fuel system gases, or exhaust gases to enter the sleeper berth. A sleeper berth must be located so that it will not be overheated or damaged by reason of its proximity to the vehicle’s exhaust system.

(h) Occupant restraint. A motor vehicle manufactured on or after July 1, 1971, and equipped with a sleeper berth must be equipped with a means of preventing ejection of the occupant of the sleeper berth during deceleration of the vehicle. The restraint system must be designed, installed, and maintained to withstand a minimum total force of 6,000 pounds applied toward the front of the vehicle and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.[/quote]

Sorry to disagree Rev, but examination of the SB to ensure it meets the standards isn't that difficult. If the SB does not have all of the required equipment then it cannot be called a sleeper berth and any SB recorded on the log book would be a false log.

Be safe.

[Rev.Vassago]

Sorry to disagree Rev, but examination of the SB to ensure it meets the standards isn't that difficult. If the SB does not have all of the required equipment then it cannot be called a sleeper berth and any SB recorded on the log book would be a false log.

Be safe.

Can you cite the FMCSA regulation that states anything about other contents of the sleeper, such as TV, DVD's, video games, or books? Is there a FMCSA regulation that states that a trash can can't be full? Such things are irrelevant to determining whether a driver is fatigued, and are of no business of the DOT.

I'm curious, however - have you ever searched someone's sleeper to determine whether they have the required items (bedding and a mattress)? In 12+ years driving, I have never had a DOT officer even ASK me if I had the items, let alone check for them.

[Myth_Buster]

Can you cite the FMCSA regulation that states anything about other contents of the sleeper, such as TV, DVD's, video games, or books? Is there a FMCSA regulation that states that a trash can can't be full? Such things are irrelevant to determining whether a driver is fatigued, and are of no business of the DOT.

I never said they were, the correction had to do with entering the sleeper berth.

I'm curious, however - have you ever searched someone's sleeper to determine whether they have the required items (bedding and a mattress)? In 12+ years driving, I have never had a DOT officer even ASK me if I had the items, let alone check for them.

I can remember placing drivers OOS for having alcohol in coolers, I don't normally check SBs but I've had second thoughts on that as I've seen pictures of occassions officers discovered as many as five log books. Not to mention the other issues, i.e. drugs, alcohol, and not having the required components in the SB to log SB.

Subpart A—General

§392.9 Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems.

(a)(3) The commercial motor vehicle’s cargo or any other object does not obscure the driver’s view ahead or to the right or left sides (except for drivers of self-steer dollies), interfere with the free movement of his/her arms or legs, prevent his/her free and ready access to accessories required for emergencies, or prevent the free and ready exit of any person from the commercial motor vehicle’s cab or driver’s compartment.

If the trash is on the floor and interfers with the brake operation, then there are issues.

Be safe.

[golfhobo]

Wouldn't DARE get in the middle of an argument between the Rev and M/B.... but, just to add my 2 cents:

If a trash can is full, or if their are pizz bottles present, I believe the inference is that the driver doesn't stop very often. He's obviously in a hurry and likes to keep the left door closed.

Games, books, computers .... if they are spread out on the bunk and not stored away.... might indicate that more time is spent on those items than sleeping.

If I was a DOT officer, and I found a trashbag/can full of empty Full Throttle bottles, etc... I'd take a REAL close look at those logs! :clap:

[Rev.Vassago]

If the trash is on the floor and interfers with the brake operation, then there are issues.

But how does a full trash receptacle inside the truck indicate that the driver may fatigued?

[Rev.Vassago]

If I was a DOT officer, and I found a trashbag/can full of empty Full Throttle bottles, etc... I'd take a REAL close look at those logs! :clap:

A DOT officer has no legal jurisdiction for going through a driver's trash bag, unless probable cause has been established. Determining whether a driver is complying with 393.76 (which rarely is checked) does not require a trash can search.

I drink nothing but soda. On any given day, my trash bag will be full of cans, as I dispose of my trash when fueling. Does that mean I am fatigued?

[Myth_Buster]

But how does a full trash receptacle inside the truck indicate that the driver may fatigued?

Rev, I do not support the Driver Fatigue Worksheet. I sent a message to Major Smith pointing out issues such as the driver's clothes, unshaven look, dirty truck, and a few other items. I mentioned that some of the items listed may be drug or alcohol related and asked if Minnesota State Police received Drug Interdiction Assistance Program (DIAP) training. I pointed out it would be a shame to have a driver placed OOS for ill or fatigue issues if a felony arrest was warranted.

My pings were in response to your statement regarding inspectors entering the sleeper berth.

Be safe.

[BIG JEEP on 44's]

Just keep your truck clean ,and yourself clean ...personally I've always kept both in a very presentable manner as I'm not a low life ,But I've always known how law enforcement operates when profiling a traffic stop in general ,So frankly I don't uderstand the big surprise with this list .

[DaveP]

A DOT officer has no legal jurisdiction for going through a driver's trash bag, unless probable cause has been established. Determining whether a driver is complying with 393.76 (which rarely is checked) does not require a trash can search.

I drink nothing but soda. On any given day, my trash bag will be full of cans, as I dispose of my trash when fueling. Does that mean I am fatigued?

If your fuel guage reads under 1/4 tank AND your trash bag is full you may be fatigued.... ;>)

[Uturn2001]

Or you work for Swift and it is a 3 day trip in between authorized fuel stops. ;):D

[Heavy Duty]

I though a full trash can was a sign that the driver was not a litter bug.

[Weazz]

Wouldn't DARE get in the middle of an argument between the Rev and M/B.... but, just to add my 2 cents:

If a trash can is full, or if their are pizz bottles present, I believe the inference is that the driver doesn't stop very often. He's obviously in a hurry and likes to keep the left door closed.

Games, books, computers .... if they are spread out on the bunk and not stored away.... might indicate that more time is spent on those items than sleeping.

If I was a DOT officer, and I found a trashbag/can full of empty Full Throttle bottles, etc... I'd take a REAL close look at those logs! :clap:

I store my tv and laptop on my bed to keep them from getting beat to death going down the highway..
i guess u can check them off for me in that case!

[golfhobo]

I store my tv and laptop on my bed to keep them from getting beat to death going down the highway..
i guess u can check them off for me in that case!

You make a good point and that is much of what is wrong with this checklist. Too many drivers doing things differently and for different reasons.

I was only attempting to shed some light on "their" rationale... not in any way supporting it.

[Jumbo]

Clothing, tv and dvds in the berth? Where am I supposed to store this stuff? There isnt enough room on the dash.

[Jumbo]

Update. I just came through Minnesota today and west of LaCrosse on 90 they had that old scale location open for business. I pulled in and the officer climbed on the fuel tank and asked to see my permit for my load. After showing it to him he poked his head in the cab and took a look around. I mentioned the bed was made and the trashcan was empty. He smiled and told me to have a good day.

[matcat]

Update. I just came through Minnesota today and west of LaCrosse on 90 they had that old scale location open for business. I pulled in and the officer climbed on the fuel tank and asked to see my permit for my load. After showing it to him he poked his head in the cab and took a look around. I mentioned the bed was made and the trashcan was empty. He smiled and told me to have a good day.

The bed was made?!?! OMG YOU DON'T USE YOUR SLEEPER! YOUR FATIGUED!

I think it is a moot point now anyway, as it is now realized the thing was nothing but bologna anyway.

[Rev.Vassago]

The bed was made?!?! OMG YOU DON'T USE YOUR SLEEPER! YOUR FATIGUED!

I think it is a moot point now anyway, as it is now realized the thing was nothing but bologna anyway.

It's done in Indiana, but it's still alive and well in Minnesota.

[stonefly]

Subpart G—Miscellaneous parts and accessories
§393.76 Sleeper berths.

(e) Equipment. A sleeper berth must be properly equipped for sleeping. Its equipment must include:

(e)(1) Adequate bedclothing and blankets; and

(e)(2) Either:

(e)(2)(i) Springs and a mattress; or

(e)(2)(ii) An innerspring mattress; or

(e)(2)(iii) A cellular rubber or flexible foam mattress at least four inches thick; or

(e)(2)(iv) A mattress filled with a fluid and of sufficient thickness when filled to prevent “bottoming-out” when occupied while the vehicle is in motion.



I've been sleeping on a board for over thirty years.

A board with a thin rug over it...that's my bed...at home and in the truck. I'm solo all the way.

Nobody drives my truck except me and nobody rides in my truck with me other than my dog. Who needs a mattress?

A mattress is a useless piece of fluff that gets between a man and his board.

I don't sleep well on a mattress of any kind. Sleeping on a mattress gives me nightmares. I've been sleeping on a board for so long, and I sleep so well on a board, that it makes me wonder why anyone would pay good, hard earned money for something as superfluous...nay...intrusive and disquieting, as a mattress.

I don't like air conditioning, either. I've never lived with it. I can't. I removed the compressor from my truck. The fewer contraptions under the hood, the better. I thrive on spending quality time in the parking lot, during July and August, at the Pilot in Tolleson, Arizona, living on gallons of water and sweating profusely. It does wonders for the stamina, like sleeping on a board.

Try it. Give it thirty years before making up your mind and you'll see what I mean. You'll never go back. Give it thirty years. You'll never miss what you'll have lost, and you'll never give up what you'll have gained.

George Orwell's "1984" is back story for the driver fatigue checklist.

Drivers...rebel!

Burn your mattresses!

Get a copy of the driver fatigue checklist (http://www.mntruck.org/pdf/fatigueflier.pdf) and burn it.

Burn Captain Ken in effigy.

Tell Captain Ken to get a life.

One more thing: Get off the road when sleepy.

What? You already knew that?

Of course you did!




stonefly