Commercial truck drivers often fail to comply with federal laws that regulate how long a driver can continuously operate a big rig in a 24-hour period. Such violations lead to numerous truck accidents on the nations roadways each year, causing otherwise preventable injuries and fatalities. In an effort to improve safety and encourage compliance with life-saving regulations, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) passed a Final Rule which requires all commercial vehicles to use electronic data logging devices to record travel data. Prior to the adoption of the Final Rule, trucking logs were kept on paper and handwritten by the driver. There was no definitive way to verify the recorded data, making it easy for drivers to cover up violations of hours-of-service laws.
Final Rule Requirements
Within two years, all commercial trucks must be equipped with a device that automatically logs travel data, such as driving time and engine hours. While many trucking companies already use electronic data logs, it is estimated that three million commercial trucks and drivers will be affected by the new rule. With the implementation of electronic data logging, FMCSA officials expect to see better compliance with the hours-of-service laws, which will help prevent driver fatigue that can lead to accidents. The Final Rule is also expected to prevent countless injuries and fatalities involving commercial trucks.Benefits Of Electronic Data Logging
By automating the travel data logging process, the trucking industry stands to benefit in the following ways:- By saving one billion dollars annually through a reduction in required paperwork.
- Through providing roadway safety inspectors with an easier way to review and verify driver records and identify legal violations.
- By helping attorneys create stronger cases for their clients in the event of a truck accident, by providing parties with accurate information about truck operation.
