I really don't understand why a nap is counted as on-duty time. Actually, I don't know why the required 30-minute break as counted as on-duty either.
I really did it this morning. I stopped to take a nap, didn't hear the alarm clock, and snoozed myself right out of hours (on the e-log).
It is unfortunate that the government can't see how stupid this is. They would rather have me keep driving while tired, than allow me to take a rest to be safe and to finish my route so I can get paid and not have to lay over.
I drive a day cab, hauling groceries to our stores. Same route each week, with only minor changes. Most of our routes and deliveries are at night. Sometimes you start at 6pm, sometimes at midnight, or whatever.
Throw in a blizzard or two, and not being able to sleep soundly before work, there are times a driver simply can't safely drive all night long. This is especially true when your start time changes daily. It is hard for your body to adapt and stay awake all night, especially driving the same skinny road, week after week.
The snow flakes kept getting bigger, the windshield defroster on these Freightliners are pathetic, and your eyes start drooping. Logically, the safe thing to do would be to pull over. Right?
Logic plays no part in the FMCSA rule making.
What other occupation or job do you know of that keeps you "working" when you're sleeping?
Just imagine if that happened for everybody?
The only exception I can think of is that the politicians and assholes who make these stupid rules should definitely not be drawing the pay they receive when they aren't doing their jobs. Off duty should be applied, with no pay, anytime they don't use logic and common sense, or listen to the drivers and people who actually know something about trucking. And, if they are bribed by lobbyists instead of sticking up for the tax payers, they should forfeit all of the pay they derive from tax payers.
Anyway, I had a good nap. The roads were better when I woke up. Then I stopped for coffee and used the bathroom, and really screwed up the e-log. At least those big red circles the e-log shows when I am in violation kind of remind me of Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
