The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently ruled that all drivers of commercial vehicles who were previously required to use paper logs to detail driving and off-duty times, will now be required to use an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) by 2017 to record driving time, vehicle movement and speed, engine hours, miles traveled and the vehicle’s location. Currently, this new federal ruling is expected to affect approximately 3 million truck and bus drivers.
This new rule has multiple benefits for both the commercial carrier industry and the general public. For the commercial carrier industry, this new ruling automates the logging process, making driver management and compliance with federal regulations easier. The ruling is projected to save the commercial carrier industry more than one billion dollars annually in paperwork and personnel costs. The use of electronic logging devices will also make identifying violations of federal guidelines for down-time easier, as drivers will not be able to physically alter the electronic logs. Traditional paper logs were impossible to check for accuracy, and were subject to loss or damage. Statistics show that we are all safer when commercial vehicle operators get regular breaks and mandated down-time.
It is projected that the new ELD ruling will prevent more than 500 injuries and 26 deaths each year as a result of a reduction in crashes involving commercial vehicles.
Currently, federal regulations govern how many hours a driver can safely be on duty. When commercial drivers spend too many hours on the road, fatigue sets in and endangers the lives of the driver and fellow motorists. It is projected that the new ELD ruling will prevent more than 500 injuries and 26 deaths each year as a result of a reduction in crashes involving commercial vehicles. When drivers have sufficient off-duty time to rest between trips, they are more alert and drive more safely, saving lives. A separate ruling that accompanied the announcement of the ELD rule protects drivers from being forced into violating regulated driving and down-time rules in order to make schedules. Commercial carriers, shippers and transportation industry related businesses face penalties for putting drivers and motorists at risk. As a part of this new ruling, Canadian and Mexican commercial vehicles will also be required to use electronic logging devices while operating in the United States.
Even with protective federal regulations in place, motorists still run the risk of being involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle whose driver has been on the road too long. Whether you are a commercial vehicle driver, a commercial carrier, or a motorist, you need expert legal representation when things go wrong. The Hayes Firm created bestlocalattorney.com to put in you in touch with the best attorney for your unique case. Call 1.800.603.6833 or fill out the free consultation form in the sidebar today, and find a lawyer who will work hard to get the relief you deserve.
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