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Oh I know. I have to drive the company van a lot and you have an idea of the kind of hours and how little sleep I get, but there is just something about being responsible for the lives of other people that is very sobering and when I feel myself losing it, getting too sleepy, I will insist on switching drivers, even if just for a little bit to get my bearings.

I have made some long hauls driving cross country, both for work and pleasure, and I have just never allowed myself to continue driving when I feel overwhelmed by sleepiness. I have many times pulled over and catnapped for 15 or 20 minutes at a time to refresh a little. It is just too much of a risk otherwise.

I know that with bus drivers they're on a schedule they have to keep, but if am not mistaken they are under certain restrictions about driving while overly fatigued, much the same as truck drivers are. However, I expect that much like truck drivers, they are subject to cheating and pushing the limits in many cases.

I have occasion to charter buses fairly often, during football season, spring garden and plantation pilgrimages, field trips, graduations etc. Drivers falling asleep from taking on too many trips, too closely scheduled worry me as much as the possibility of them taking drugs to stay awake.

About a year ago, a church bus driver in New Orleans had an accident with a bus load, lots of injuries. It turned out he failed the drug test, apparently he smoked a joint just before picking them up.

Well anything is possible .. but some drivers are pushed to the max ... they either do it and the company will find someone else to do it ..

Well I need to head out again .. but will pop back later