WYOMING — Governor Mark Gordon signed an executive order yesterday July 20, allowing drivers transporting and delivering gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel in Wyoming to make extra deliveries.
The order suspends regulations on driving hours but also specifies that companies should not require or allow any fatigued driver to operate delivery vehicles.
49 CFR § 395.3, regulates maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles, to ensure driver safety. Gordon’s executive order strips drivers of these protections.
A Truck Driver Safety Investigation conducted in Wyoming and released in June of 2018, surveyed 270 Wyoming truck drivers. Drivers were asked how often they continue driving despite fatigue or bad weather. 42% of respondents said they will “often” or “sometimes” continue to drive despite fatigue or bad weather because they must deliver or pick up a load at a given time. The table below depicts their answers.
“A driver who informs a carrier that he/she needs immediate rest shall be given adequate rest before the driver is required to return to service,” states the executive order signed by Gordon.
According to the order, demand for fuel has increased due to post-pandemic travel in the United States, with increases in travel and tourism seen throughout the state. In addition, an early fire season has resulted in increased fire suppression efforts which have also impacted demand for various fuels across the western United States.
“It is critical that we have adequate fuel supplies. This is particularly necessary for air support during this fire season,” Governor Gordon said. “These emergency rules will help increase fuel deliveries without potentially harmful delays.”
The executive order is effective July 20 through August 20.
