“Safety Group Slams Move to Extend Truckers’ Workday—What It Means for You”

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction – You Thought 14 Hours Were Rough? Think Again.

Imagine pulling in your fifth load for the day. It’s late, the highways are winding down, and you’re thinking about hitting the sleeper. Then you hear regulators might let you stay on duty longer. That’s the scenario laid out in a recent pilot from the FMCSA — and a major safety‑group reaction fired off. The article “Safety group opposes extending truckers’ workday” outlines how one advocacy group is pushing back hard.
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If you’re a driver, owner‑operator or fleet manager—this isn’t just another headline. It’s a chance to stare down what could change your schedule, pay, fatigue level and risk profile.

Key Points – Unpacking the Push & the Pushback

The Proposal – FMCSA is running a pilot to allow motor carriers to pause the “on‑duty clock” during certain delays, effectively stretching the workday beyond the traditional 14‑hour window.
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The Safety Group’s Objection – A major safety advocacy organization argues this is a bad move, pointing to fatigue, decision‑making decline and higher crash risks.
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Why It Matters – Longer workdays without appropriate rest = more time behind the wheel = higher risk. Fatigue isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a crash risk.

The Industry Impact – Carriers could use the extra hours to squeeze more capacity; drivers might face pressure to be “available” longer. Could your 14‑hour clock becoming a longer day? Possibly.

Multiple Perspectives – The Road Has Many Viewpoints

Drivers & Owner‑Operators: On one hand: "More hours = more pay." On the other hand: "More hours = more risk, more burnout."
Safety Advocates: They’re saying this is a step backwards—“flexibility” in hours often gives carriers an edge at the expense of driver health and public safety.
Fleets & Carriers: They see a chance to move more freight, reduce dead‑time restrictions, increase utilization. But also a bigger liability if fatigue‑linked crashes occur.
Public & Other Road Users: The general motoring public may not notice the rule changes until there’s an incident. Fatigue among truck drivers can affect everyone on the road.

Industry Response – Where the Gears Are Turning

Some fleets are quietly monitoring this pilot. They’re thinking: “If regulators allow longer on‑duty windows, how do we structure driver pay, roster, compliance?”

Driver‑groups ask: “If you extend our workday, do you also extend rest requirements? Do you raise pay? Do you protect us from the hidden costs of longer days (health, fatigue)?”

Advocacy groups flag that past “flexibility” attempts have sometimes resulted in worse safety outcomes. They caution: “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.”

Regulators (FMCSA) are saying: This is a pilot — data will determine whether the changes move from experimental to permanent.

Bottom Line – What You Need to Know & Do

Know your clock: Be aware of your on‑duty and driving hour limits. If the rules around them change, you need to know how and when.

Watch for pressure: If your carrier starts asking for “flexibility” in your on‑duty time, ask: Does it come with compensation? Does it come with extra rest?

Protect your body & mind: Longer days mean more exposure to fatigue. Prioritize rest, hydration, breaks—even if the clock says you’re “allowed”.

Stay informed: This is Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The pilot may evolve. If you’re making content, you can turn this into a timely piece: “What happens if the pilot becomes the rule?”

Use your voice: If you’re a driver or owner‑operator, your experience matters. Tell your story. Are longer days worth the extra risk? For you, what matters more—pay or safety?

Call to Action

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And if you’re ready to build income while you drive (or for life after you stop driving), check out OffDutyMoney.com—let’s build your off‑duty income shield while the rules keep shifting.