While people are keenly aware of the problem of truck driver fatigue, there is one relatively underreported concern that is gaining traction: truck driver conveyance time. It might be an unfamiliar term to many, but it is a rising worry in potential collisions with injuries and death.
What is conveyance time and why might it be a danger?
The term conveyance time refers to periods when the driver is not on the clock and is not resting, but is doing things like driving to a motel for a night of rest, getting personal supplies, taking a slight detour to visit family, and other similar activities. According to researchers, there is evidence that a significant percentage of truckers are misusing conveyance time and possibly putting themselves and others at risk.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance collected data based on roadside inspections. An estimated 38% are believed to misuse the rule in some way. There is a statistical link between companies that have drivers who misuse personal conveyance and the frequency of crashes. These companies have four times the likelihood of getting into an accident and having more instances of trucks being put out of service.
There is a movement to have the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration revise the requirements for a driver to use personal conveyance. Similar proposals have been made in the past. They went nowhere. The rule of personal conveyance is that drivers cannot use it to get closer to their delivery destination. Advocates of the change think that the data could help convince the FMCSA to alter its stance.
There are myriad reasons why truck accidents might happen
As the personal conveyance research shows, there are more reasons for truck accidents than people might realize. While the surface dangers – speeding, drowsiness, alcohol, drugs, going beyond the limits for time spent on the road – immediately come to mind when there is a collision, it is imperative that there be a deep dive into the evidence to find out whether other catalysts could be at play.
Regardless of the reason, an accident with a large truck can have severe consequences to a person and their family. Medical expenses, lost wages, long-term costs, the emotional aftermath and more must be considered. These accidents happen throughout California and those who were impacted should consider the value of comprehensive help and advice with how to proceed to make a full recovery personally, physically, emotionally and financially.