The hours of service (HOS) regulations were first introduced by the now-abolished Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) in 1937 as a way to protect the safety of long-haul truckers. The HOS's main purpose is to prevent truck accidents caused by driver fatigue. This is accomplished by limiting the number of driver working hours per day and week. Driver working hours include the time spent on loading, unloading, driving, handling freight, preparing reports, preparing vehicles for service, or performing any other duty pertaining to the transportation of passengers or property. The main reason for limiting driver working hours is to prevent fatigue by keeping drivers on a 21- to 24-hour schedule, maintaining a human body's natural sleep and wake cycle (so-called circadian rhythm). Drivers are required to take a daily minimum period of rest and are allowed longer weekend rest periods to combat sleep deprivation, cumulative fatigue, and time-on-task fatigue effects that accrue on a weekly basis (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 2006). Despite their intent to enhance traffic safety, HOS regulations have become sources of controversy because it is hard for the policy maker to determine exactly how long drivers should work and sleep for their safety. As such, there were numerous proposals to amend HOS regulations between 1962 and 2009, but none were ever finalized due to contentious debates over their effectiveness in enhancing traffic safety. (Author/publisher)
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