Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Mandatory Brake Stop Being Misused by Tired Truckers

Truckers wanting to catch a bit of shut-eye at a mandatory brake check station in West Virginia are causing some congestion problems, reports the Associated Press

by Staff
June 9, 2000
2 min to read


Truckers wanting to catch a bit of shut-eye at a mandatory brake check station in West Virginia are causing some congestion problems, reports the Associated Press.

The facility, located on Interstate 68 on Cheat Mountain, W.Va., is becoming way too crowded, and drivers wanting to perform brake checks on their rigs can’t get through.
The facility was set up to give truckers a place to check their brakes before heading down a five-mile stretch of highway with a 7-percent grade, the maximum grade allowed on interstates.
However, truckers are complaining because there isn’t any room for them to get their trucks into the brake check. Roger Boord, a Morgantown, W.Va., trucker told the AP, "It's a godsend that they have the brake check, but it needs to be used for the reason it was built."
Boord said the crowding is forcing truckers to go down the mountain without checking their brakes.
Highway officials and state police haven’t been able to ask the sleeping truckers to clear out because there aren’t any signs posted that forbid sleeping in the area. They also say that the area isn’t part of the Interstate, so they can’t enforce traffic laws there.
The Cheat Mountain Safety Task Force, which comprises the Division of Highways, Public Service Commission and State Police, is taking steps to correct the problem. The DOH is planning to install signs at the stop and authorize the State Police to clear the area of truckers using the stop to sleep.
Despite the problems, officials say the mandatory stop is slowing trucks before they go down the mountain.

More Drivers

Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Mack Pioneer tractor.
Driversby Jack RobertsApril 10, 2026

Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info

Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.

Read More →
Close-up of Western Star truck logo with red star emblem on chrome grille, representing the brand’s identity in the trucking industry.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 6, 2026

Western Star Showcases Truckers' Pride and Skill

Western Star is expanding its Star Nation Experience in 2026, adding new competitions and dealer participation to highlight operator skills and promote careers in trucking.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of truck driver at podium holding award
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMarch 27, 2026

Best Fleets to Drive For: Two Carriers Earn Overall Award for First Time

CarriersEdge announced the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For overall winners, with Crawford Trucking, Fortigo Freight Services, and FTC Transportation receiving top awards.

Read More →
Illustration of Department of Labor building, diesel technician at a computer, and driver training semi trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeMarch 10, 2026

Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training

The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.

Read More →
Illustration of truck owner operator and magnifying glass with the word "regulations"
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 26, 2026

Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal

For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
 Truck with door open and enforcement officer talking to driver about ELD
DriversFebruary 26, 2026

FMCSA Reinstates Field Warrior ELD to Registered Device List

One electronic logging device has been reinstated to the FMCSA's list of registered ELDs.

Read More →
Photo of truck driver in yellow safety vest walking alongside tractor-trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 25, 2026

How One Company is Using Smart Suspension Technology to Reduce Driver Injuries and Improve Retention

America’s Service Line adopted Link’s SmartValve and ROI Cabmate systems to address whole-body vibration, repetitive strain, and driver turnover. The trucking fleet is already seeing measurable results.

Read More →
Illustration with photos from some of the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For honorees
Driversby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 24, 2026

CarriersEdge Announces 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For

The 18th annual contest recognizing the best workplaces for truck drivers sees changes to Top 20, Hall of Fame

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of driver students around trucks with distressed graphic elements and safety cones
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 19, 2026

FMCSA Targets 550+ ‘Sham’ CDL Schools in Nationwide Sting Operation

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued more than 550 notices of proposed removal to commercial driver training providers following a five-day nationwide enforcement sweep. Investigators cited unqualified instructors, improper training vehicles, and failure to meet federal and state requirements.

Read More →