Summer Research and Insights
In 2011, Karen Levy, a doctoral candidate in sociology at Princeton, interned at Intel’s offices near Portland, Oregon. Although her role was vaguely defined, the company aimed to explore how its chips could be utilized in vehicles. Levy, with her unique blend of academic and legal training, found herself reflecting on the intriguing dynamics between formal regulations and practical realities. Roads exemplified this relationship; they are places where rules are both intensely followed and frequently ignored—like jaywalking, which is often technically illegal but not actively enforced. Levy’s work delves into this “wiggle room” that exists in social interactions. As she asked, “What do we truly mean by a rule being a rule? When do we not mean it?”
The Impact of New Trucking Regulations
During her time in Oregon, Levy heard an NPR segment discussing newly imposed limitations on long-haul truckers. Since the 1930s, truckers had been bound by regulations on work hours, relying on paper logbooks that could easily be manipulated. These logbooks, mockingly known as “swindle sheets” among truckers, often reflected altered journeys. Although there were longstanding concerns about road safety, truckers resisted the impending requirement of electronic logging devices (E.L.D.s), which would enforce compliance by digitally tracking their driving hours. By 2012, federal regulations mandated these devices, which were perceived as an insult to the truckers’ autonomy, despite the challenges of their profession.
Engaging with Truckers
Levy soon visited Jubitz, a sizeable truck stop near the Washington border, eager to converse with truckers and gain insight into their experiences. She discovered that truckers were often very open and had fascinating stories to share. Upon returning to Princeton, she reported her newfound interest in truckers’ struggles to her adviser, Paul DiMaggio, who not only supported her research but also introduced her to a trucker-themed playlist. This intersection of music and trucking culture enriched her understanding of her subjects.
Field Research Journey
Levy’s research took her across eleven states, where she learned quickly that truckers have their own language and customs. At first, she struggled to comprehend their lingo, prompting her to invest in a CB slang dictionary. As she engaged more deeply with the community, her conversations morphed into valuable discussions, supplemented by trade publications and a satellite radio channel for truck professionals, where she is now invited to guest speak.
Technological Transitions in Trucking
Levy’s book, “Data Driven: Truckers, Technology, and the New Workplace Surveillance,” presents a well-researched look at the evolving profession of trucking. While truckers have historically embraced technology, they now find themselves increasingly subjected to it. With the 2017 requirement for E.L.D.s, trucking companies began utilizing these devices for extensive monitoring beyond just regulatory compliance. This marks a shift from previously accepted practices in a field known for its independence and self-direction. Levy notes that truckers have effectively become the “canaries in the coal mine” concerning workplace surveillance.
Self-Regulation and Community Norms
Levy emphasizes understanding a community’s self-regulation norms through the lens of apparent order versus actual order. Sociology has shown that while external observers may see strict rules, practitioners often experience a more fluid reality. For instance, the notion of “mock bureaucracy” allows for behaviors that may deviate from formal regulations, resulting in better relationships between workers and management.
Challenges of E.L.D.s in Trucking Safety
Despite the goal of improving trucker safety, Levy argues that E.L.D.s exemplify how imposing apparent order can negatively impact actual practices. While the devices aim to reduce driver fatigue through compliance, they often overlook the realities of long-haul driving. Data suggests these measures may have unintentionally led to increased accidents. Levy uses a relatable analogy about timing—how pressure to arrive exactly on schedule can provoke reckless behavior—to illustrate how such stringent oversight can backfire, undermining the original intentions of the regulations.
