KayCee said:
golfhobo,
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I'm sure you are smart enough to understand the rules and understand that "speed averaging" is not allowed. I'm also sure you understand when the rules says log ALL time you are driving there is no way "speed averaging" can be applied. I also think you understand what is to be shown on your logbook. Now I'm not saying it can't be done. What I said and showed it can not be done legally.
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Yes, I understand what the rules "say." And I have read and DO understand the rationale behind them. Applying their rationale, and for the most part staying within it, I will "interpret" the rules.... or break them... to do the job as I feel it should be done. Within reason.
I KNOW what you "showed." But, I point you back to the original post. He wanted to know if anyone could "attest" to the statement made by his trainer. I believe there have been MANY attestations concerning the question, and he should be able to form his own opinion of what is, or should, or could be done. Please pay close attention to MY first post in response.
Later, someone mentioned averaging his speed. I THEN posted a reply to THAT statement, which ALSO said it was illegal, but went on to say what I would do. I'm not sure, based on my first two posts, that you could say I condone speed averaging. I was giving the O/P information based on his question.
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I try to answer people's questions by citing regs so they can see what the regs "say" instead what people "think" they say. In my years of driving I've broken most of the HOS at one time or another. But I don't want someone to say I told them to break any rule. I leave that up to them if they want to drive legally or break the law.
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I can understand your position. However, I choose to participate on this board in a slightly different way. Sometimes posters want to know (or need to know) what the regulations say. I think I have proven that I can help them with that... and so have you. Sometimes, they want to know what reality is, and I am more than willing to share what I know about THAT.
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It is interesting that you would condone "speed averaging" but be against breaking the 14 hour rule. One is just as bad as the other. All you are doing by "speed averaging" is extending the 70 hour to get in more miles. The 70 hour rule is in place is an attempt for the driver to get needed rest. The same as the 14 hour rule. It is all in where you add the hours.
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It might be MORE interesting for you to know that the 70 hour rule almost NEVER applies to me. I team coast to coast, and get home every week for a "restart." It is RARE that I need to "get more miles" than I can legally get in a day. In fact, I usually only drive about 10 hours worth. However, I "think" I understand some of the pressures on the solo drivers, and I often post my thoughts or suggestions with THEM in mind. I probably COULD log everything strictly legal, and never have a problem. I just don't WANT to. (Actually, even in teaming, sometimes it is beneficial to me to "fudge" a bit.) Yes, I feel strongly about the rationale behind the 14 hour window. And, yes, I feel strongly about my "perceived" RIGHT to get a certain number of miles in per day, within the realm of possibility, so that my schedule is not interrupted. If this means "bending" the 11 hour rule by a small amount, then so be it. (Although, I rarely need to.)
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Maybe I was lucky or maybe I know how to drive around other vehicles. Having driven almost 1 1/2 million miles in a truck and another 1 million plus in field service and only having one moving violation and no accidents I guess I must be one lucky guy. That is not counting all the miles I have driven in my personal vehicles.
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I'm not sure what this is about, but if you drove that triple digit truck as fast as you implied, and only got one ticket, then yes, you are lucky. I have a bit of a lead foot myself, and will probably NOT be so lucky. I am also very "proactive" around traffic, and can usually manipulate them out of my way. I believe I am a SAFE driver, but not a SLOW one. I am well aware of the weight I am in control of, and my responsibilities to the public. I had criss-crossed this country MANY times before I ever got into trucking, so I have no idea how many miles I have driven.
As a "trucker" I admit I am still a newbie (though not a rookie.) But, as a confident 50 year old man, I just don't see any great mystique to it. I'm SURE that I have more to learn, but unlike some, I don't see that there is something NEW to learn EVERY day. Now, SOME would say that is a reason for me to "hang up my keys." Sorry.... not gonna happen!
As for government regs, I used to help write them. I KNOW what they mean, and what they leave out. I know how to get "around" them, and what shouldn't be messed with. I guess I'm a bit of a "rebel" but that is my life. I have no problem with you quoting regs, and I don't think I have ever actually told someone they SHOULD cheat, either. I may have told them HOW to if they WANT to know. So, hopefully, we'll agree that we each can and will participate here in the manner we choose. I hope there are no ill feelings.
If someone hits my truck while I am gone from it, I have proof that I was not in it.
