A new HOS rule issued by the Obama Administration should include the following basic safety parameters:
• 24-hour circadian schedule
• Lower daily driving and work time limits
• Lower weekly driving and work time maximums
• Increased daily off-duty time, including in sleeper berths
• Increased end-of-week rest time
• Recognition of safety hazards of night-time driving
• Universal Electronic On-Board Recorder (EOBR) requirement
Daily Shift Drive Time Maximum:
No more than 8 consecutive hours of driving per shift, based on extensive research findings that show dramatic increase in relative risk of crashes after 8 consecutive hours of driving.
Daily Shift Work Time Maximum:
12 hour work shift; 8 hours of driving, and 4 hours of other work and \ or rest breaks as the driver chooses
Daily Shift Off-Duty Time Maximum:
General rule:
12 hours of consecutive off-duty rest time to ensure minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep each night that research shows is needed to perform safely, and allow time for drivers to perform other daily non-work tasks
Sleeper Berth:
More than 8 continuous hours to ensure minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep each night that research shows is needed to expunge sleep debt and recover safe performance
Weekly Total Driving Time Maximum:
Maximum 40 hours 7 days
Weekly Total Work Time Maximum:
Maximum 60 hours in 7 days
End of Week Off-duty Time Minimum:
Minimum 48-hour off duty layover before starting another tour of duty
Source: Regulations.gov