Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/573961
20 COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2015 JOURNAL NEWS agency is hindered in assessing HOS effects by limited availability and representativeness of driver schedule data. Neither FMCSA nor other orga- nizations have a central database with representative driver schedule data that can be generalized to the entire industry, GAO reported. GAO had purchased data from the American Transportation Research Institute for its report. While that provided 15,000 driver records from 16 for-hire trucking companies, the data is not representative of other industry segments such as owner- operators and private carriers. "Due to current data limitations, it is not possible to fully evaluate the rule's impact," GAO wrote. "Our analysis suggests that the rule may have affected a larger population of drivers than FMCSA anticipated, but without rep- resentative data, there is no way to be certain this is universally the case." It said its own analysis of a limited sample of available data provides some insight into the rule's effects and the extent it aligns with FMCSA's assumptions and estimates. Some drivers at the sample of 16 for-hire carriers who worked the longest hours – more than 65 hours weekly – reduced hours after the rule became effective. GAO's finding is consistent with FMCSA's assumption that driv- ers working more than 65 hours were more likely to be affected. However, GAO's analysis found those who worked less than 65 hours weekly also changed their schedules after the rule, a result not anticipated by the agency. In responding to the report, DOT said GAO had recognized achieve- ments associated with the rule: A decrease in the frequency of long work schedules, lower risk of driver fatigue and reduced fatal truck crashes. "As we state in this report, however, these findings cannot be directly attributed to the rule," wrote GAO, which rec- ommended FMCSA adopt guidance outlining research standards. GAO also noted that while elec- tronically collected representative schedule data soon will be available to the agency, the 2012 highway reau- thorization limits use of this informa- tion to law enforcement. In December, Congress suspended the two-night provision until Sept. 30 or when FMCSA completes a new study, whichever comes later. It also suspended the once- per-week limit of the restart's use. – Jill Dunn Continued from page 10 The Right People. The Right Service. The Right Places. Locations Coast to Coast in the United States and Canada Find your local VIPro TruckForce™ Service Center by calling 800.494.4731 or by visiting www.viprotruckforce.com WIN * 1of 10 GoPro HERO4 Sport & Helmet Camera with Accessory Kits *Contest entry open from September 1st, 2015 to November 30th, 2015 at participating VIPro TruckForce™ Service Centers only. No purchase necessary. Items may not be exactly as shown. See in-store or on-line for official contest rules and regulations. Void where prohibited by law. When it comes to truck maintenance and repair, go with the pros at your local VIPro TruckForce Service Center. Have your next service performed by the experts at your local VIPro TruckForce Service Center before November 30, 2015 and Enter to GO WITH THE PROS! GO WITH THE PROS! Service Center. Have your next service performed by the experts at your 1of 10 GoPro HERO4 Sport with Accessory Kits When it comes to truck maintenance and repair, go with the pros at your local Service Center. Have your next service performed by the experts at your VIPro TruckForce Service Center Enter to Enter to Enter to Service Center. Have your next service performed by the experts at your Supported by These Quality Brands: Untitled-17 1 8/18/15 9:51 AM