FMCSA recruits CMV drivers for restart study

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking truck drivers and motor carriers for participation in a paid study regarding hours of service and restart breaks.

FMCSA will analyze fatigue levels and safety performance among drivers who participate in the study by installing data collection equipment in their trucks. Drivers will maintain their traditional routes.

The goal for FMCSA is to analyze results from drivers who take two nighttime rest periods during their 34-hour restart break, compared with drivers who take less than two nighttime rest periods during their restart break.

The study will compare five months of data to assess safety-critical events, driver fatigue and alertness level, and driver health. People interested in participating may subscribe to FMCSA’s fatigue study mailing list.

Requirements for participants in the study include:

• Compliance monitored on a daily basis by study team
• One or more three-minute alertness tests daily
• Maintaining sleep/wake logs, recording caffeine intake and reporting sleepiness