The CVSA released the final numbers from Roadcheck 2007 this week. The numbers released show a mixed bag as far as safety and compliance by American trucks and drivers. One of the most notable results was an increase in out-of-service violations for log books. It seems that more of us than ever are running on falsified logs; Is this a reflection on the 2005 log rules finally come to a head? The numbers of drivers out-of-service have increased for two years running, making it the highest OOS rate since 1999.
Part of the increase is caused by DOT effectively targeting problem areas: “We continue to target our resources at areas that deserve attention,β said CVSA executive director Stephen F. Campbell. βIn the last several years our members have spent extra time and emphasis on training their inspectors in the areas of driver interviews, hours of service, cargo securement, motorcoach inspections and safety belt enforcement. It is not a surprise to us that we are seeing these results. It means we are working smarter and are using our tools more effectively to identify and take action on those who are in need of our attention.β
Driver results for the vehicle types were as follows:
* All vehicles: 93.8 percent of drivers passed the inspection, and 6.2 percent were placed out of service (5.6 percent were out of service in 2006).
* HAZMAT: 96.5 percent of drivers passed the inspection, and 3.5 percent were placed out of service (3.0 percent were out of service in 2006).
* Motorcoaches: 96.2 percent of drivers passed the inspection, and 3.8 percent were placed out of service (2.9 percent were out of service in 2006).
Vehicle results were as follows:
* All vehicles: 78.5 percent of vehicles passed the inspection, and 21.5 percent were placed out of service (21.7 percent were out of service in 2006).
* HAZMAT: 82.3 percent of vehicles passed the inspection, and 17.7 percent were placed out of service (18.2 percent were out of service in 2006).
* Motorcoaches: 87.7 percent of vehicles passed the inspection, and 12.3 percent were placed out of service (9.2 percent were out of service in 2006)
Even with the increased emphasis on target areas it seems we are sliding backwards as far as safety is concerned. If you take into account the drivers not checked and the ones that took time off during the period of Roadcheck, the actual numbers could have been higher. The number of log violations means that more drivers are bending the rules for one reason or another, maybe the rules are flawed and it is time to re-visit how they were written or companies have started to push too hard in these tight times. I see it as a combination of both.
Be safe out there and don’t let yourself become a statistic!
Don Rogers
Begin rant
I note that a lot of folks drive faster than the speed limit so maybe the limit is flawed and should be changed.
If you can’t make enough money driving under the rules maybe the rate of pay you get should change not the rules.
This year in Oregon random drug tests showed 10% of drivers failing.
We get paid “by the mile” if the pay is too low drivers falsifiy their log books to get “more miles” then they drive on meth to keep awake or just drive until they fall asleep run off the road and kill someone.
Companies that turn a blind eye to logbok violations when they are making money but will hang a driver out to dry when he gets caught should be punished as well. If a driver is faking their logbook you can bet the company knows it.
Logbook faking, speeding, and drug use are killing the image of the professional truck driver. We are Professional drivers not just pizza delivery drivers with a “special” licence and we need to start acting like it and demanding that others treat us like it as well.
End rant.
Every once in awhile my wife will stay home and I have to admit I have a hard time planning a trip now. I don’t know how solo drivers do it now. The 14 hour rule is the biggest pain ever.
Even driving team is almost impossible now. Why should a driver have to drive 10 hours straight when a rested driver is right behind them? A lot of team loads can’t stop while one driver rests for a few hours, then drives again. It’s nuts.