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 improve—or at the very least do not
degrade—driver 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
“driver”) 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
(“split sleep duty periods”) with duty periods where drivers were
compliant with the current sleeper berth regulations (“nighttime
sleep duty periods” or “daytime sleep duty periods”). 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.