This writer is utterly bogus. Fatigue and hours of service are huge industry issues, but safety is NOT a pay problem. There are people on the railroad who work unbelievable hours to make $100K, instead of settling for $65K. So raise the pay, and many will still push the limits to earn more.
Don't get me wrong, I think enforcement of current rest regulations should be stepped up, along with a few more regs, but tied to research on circadian rhythms, not union opportunists.
Right now we are stopped and checked at scales, rest areas, and along roads. Our logs and paperwork are reviewed constantly. We are constantly monitered by satilite positioning systems, computers and every branch of the police force. We can be searched withour probable cause, we can be stopped just for the hell of it. If we stop to take a nap, the cops will bang on our trucks and demand to see our logbooks or inspect our trucks. So how much more enforcement are you talking about? The only thing that is left is to have our own personal policeman riding along with us.