Editorial points out danger of truck driver fatigue and need for more vigorous enforcement of regulations

Using the example of an sleep-deprived Indiana truck driver who recently plowed through a Massachusetts construction area recent tractor-trailer accident in a construction zone, a Salem editorial noted that commercial driving regulations must be more aggressively enforced to protect public safety. Although no one was seriously hurt in that accident, the risk was very high. This driver had been driving with a break “for a day or two.” This is a violation of federal regulations, which require that drivers rest at least 10 hours after 11 consecutive hours of driving or 14 consecutive hours on-duty. are loaded or unloaded). Driving, on-duty and rest period must be recorded in each drivers logbook. But some drivers make false entries in their logbooks so they can keep driving. In fact, they are encouraged to do so by a system that generally pays them by the mile and gives them a strong incentive to stay behind the wheel. While the regulations are intended to protect public safety, the editors say, they cannot do so unless they are vigorously and strongly enforced.

You can find this editorial at the Salem News.