BRYAN, Tex. (KBTX) – More Americans than ever recorded by AAA, nearly 49 million, will hit the road this weekend for holiday travel, making for higher traffic volume and a greater risk for crashes.
Some of those drivers are operating big rigs, and critics say a new federal regulation could increase the number of accidents involving those truck drivers.
“Your body gets fatigued. You get sleepy. You can overdo it,” said Josea McBrewer.
McBrewer has been a truck driver for nearly 10 years. Others just like him know the risk of driving for too long.
“You can’t push over the 12-hour limit because probably would get tired, too. You have to find a place to rest,” said another truck driver, Roy Ramirez.
Proposed revisions could make the 11-hour driving limit more relaxed, upping their drive time and lowering their rest time.
“If people are not getting adequate rest, then the percentage of them likely to get in a crash is extended,” said Marlynda Schmid with Black Wolf CDL Training Center.
Schmid teaches and says the regulations are in place for safety.
“After so many hours behind the wheel, people become fatigued and they get tunnel vision,” Schmid said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety says fatigue is a main contributing factor to a lot of accidents.
“Somebody with about 20 hours without sleep is almost equivalent to some studies as someone driving .08 BAC,” said Texas DPS Sgt. Jimmy Morgan.
Truck drivers know the risks that come with the job, and local ones say they don’t want to jeopardize anyone’s safety.
“A lot of people driving the four-wheelers get distracted with their phones and stuff, so you really have to be on you’re A-game because you drive the big trucks,” Ramirez said.
The proposed revisions are being reviewed by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget and have not yet been released.