This is a new ICR. The aim of the Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot Program is to demonstrate how HOS regulatory flexibility in conjunction with an optional fatigue management program (FMP) could be used to improve driver rest and alertness. Changes to the FMCSA HOS regulations must be data driven and support driver safety. In order to determine whether more flexible HOS regulations improveâor at the very least do not degradeâdriver rest and alertness, a study must be conducted with commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. FMCSA has developed the Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot Program, a research study to collect detailed data on driver sleep and performance when temporarily granted regulatory flexibility.
The collection is voluntary. Data will be collected from CMV drivers (hereafter referred to as âdriverâ) during their online application, briefing session, pilot study participation, and debriefing session. Data collection will primarily focus on sleep, fatigue, safety, and driving performance. The sample of drivers in the study will include those from small, medium, and large carriers, as well as team drivers and owner operators. The collection is reporting. The information reported is the identified statistical analysis of results and findings. The information maintained in records is all data collected. Driver & Motor-carrier applications, background questionnaire, 1099 tax form, WSU invoice tax voucher, and debriefing questionnaire are collected once, whereas the phone briefing information is collected weekly, and the smart phone applications information is collected on a daily basis.
FMCSA has contracted with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT), with subcontracts to Washington State University (WSU) and SmartDrive to administer this study and analyze its results.
The purpose of this pilot program is to demonstrate how regulatory flexibility related to the SB provision, in conjunction with optional FMP training, could be used to improve driver rest, alertness, and safety performance. Allowing split sleep will allow drivers the opportunity to sleep at times that best suit their needs. To evaluate the operational, safety, and fatigue impacts of flexible SB use, this study will compare duty periods where drivers used the flexible sleeper berth option (âsplit sleep duty periodsâ) with duty periods where drivers were compliant with the current sleeper berth regulations (ânighttime sleep duty periodsâ or âdaytime sleep duty periodsâ). The research team will determine operational impacts, safety impacts, and fatigue impacts of flexible SB use.
US Code:
49 USC 31133
Name of Law: General Powers of the Secretary of Transportation
US Code:
49 USC 31136
Name of Law: United States Government Regulations
US Code:
49 USC 31502
Name of Law: Requirements for Qualification, Hours of Service, Safety, and Equipment Standards
This is a new ICR. The change in burden hours is due to Agency Discretion. The Agency is re-looking at the option of flexible sleeper berth allowances due to updated sleep research that suggests splitting sleep may be better than getting consolidated sleep during the day time.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Debreifing Questionnaire