Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has again extended an executive order that exempts fuel truck drivers from normal Hours Of Service rules.
Pipeline And Refinery Problems Cause “Energy Emergency”
The initial executive order was issued on May 24 because of the West Shore petroleum pipeline shutdown and the temporary shutdown at the Marathon refinery in Detroit. Governor Snyder extended the order on June 3. Yesterday, he announced a that the HOS exemption would be extended yet again, this time until July 13.
Snyder Says Truckers Will Stay On The Road To Keep Michigan Gas Stations Full
Snyder says that the extension is designed to keep the state’s gas stations supplied as the West Shore petroleum pipeline is still down.
Employers Cannot Force Truckers To Drive Fatigued
Please note that the HOS exemption does not excuse fatigued or ill driving: “No motor carrier or driver operating under the terms of this Order shall require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle. Any driver who informs a carrier that he or she needs immediate rest shall be given at least ten consecutive off-duty hours before the driver is required to return to work.”
The extension ensures gas stations are able to continue to meet the needs of Michiganders: https://t.co/HLZBTJlFTU
— Governor Rick Snyder (@onetoughnerd) June 13, 2016
Sources:
Wood TV
The Detroit News