Distance Driving Policy

October 22, 2014

In Reply Refer to:
1112 (CA-940) P

EMS TRANSMISSION: 10/22/14
Instruction Memorandum No. CA-2015-006
Expires: 09/30/2018

To:                   CA Managers and Supervisors           

From:               State Director

Subject:           Distance Driving Policy

This IM reiterates BLM policy related to driving and required rest periods.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 crashes a year, resulting in 40,000 injuries, and 1,550 deaths.  As tragic as these numbers are, they only tell a portion of the story.  It is widely recognized that drowsy driving is underreported as a cause of crashes.

The BLM Manual Handbooks 1112-1 and 1112-2 limit behind the wheel driving time to 8 hours during a 16 hour duty period.  During this drive time, a 15 minute break should be taken every 2 hours.  The handbook also requires that employees have at least 8 consecutive hours of rest, without duty, before a duty day that requires driving.  Emergency driving for fires is addressed in the Interagency Incident Business Management Handbook (Yellow Book) Chapter 10 and the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book) Chapter 7.  Driving limitations for heavy equipment operators are covered by Department of Transportation Regulations, 49 CFR 395.

In lieu of driving for more than 8 hours in one duty period for field duty or assignments outside of the local commuting area, employees must plan to do one of the following:

1. remain overnight at the temporary duty location; or
2. plan an overnight rest stop; or
3. ensure there is a relief driver available. 

In an emergency situation when it may be critical that an employee exceed the driving limits, supervisory approval to do so must be obtained.  Note that the costs associated with one vehicle accident generally exceed the costs associated with an extra day of per diem or the inclusion of a relief driver.  Financial considerations should never outweigh the risk associated with allowing an employee to exceed driving limits.

In situations where a relief driver is available, caution should be exercised to ensure each driver receives 8 hours of continuous rest before driving the next duty day.  The 8 hours of continuous rest will be at a location designed for sleeping, such as a hotel or motel.

I am committed to ensuring the safety of each individual in this organization. To that end, it is the responsibility of all of us to recognize the potential ramifications of driving while fatigued, overworked or pushing beyond established work periods. As we improve awareness of the problems of fatigue and/or distance driving, I am convinced we will reduce the risk of injury to our employees.

Signed by:                                                                                          
Angie Lara                                                                                                     
Associate State Director                                                                    

Authenticated by:
Cynthia Diezel
Admin Support Asst                                                                              

Attachment  – 1
1 - Wake-Up Call” re Driver Fatigue (1 p)