New ELD Rule for Commercial Trucks Goes into Effect
A debate is ongoing over the recent mandate for electronic logging devices (ELDs) on large commercial trucks. On December 18th, many commercial trucks were required to start using ELDs, devices that automatically record driving data from the engine. Some carriers have used ELDs for years, but they are now mandatory for most commercial trucks. The rule was created to make it more difficult for commercial truckers to violate regulations aimed at preventing drowsy driving accidents. Hours-of-service rules set limits on how long commercial truckers can drive. For many years, drivers used paper logbooks to record driving time and demonstrate compliance with hours-of-service regulations.
However, drivers could falsify the information in these books to increase their driving times. Proponents of the mandate argue that ELDs would catch drivers who are violating hours-of-service rules—ELDs record truck movement and driving time. Roadside safety inspectors could use ELD data to catch drivers who are exceeding their allotted driving hours. Public policy initiatives have winners and losers, opponents and proponents. This rule is no different. Opponents to the rule claim that ELDs could jeopardize public safety or put smaller trucking companies out of business.
What About Sleep Apnea?
There is still more work to be done to prevent truck accidents caused by drowsy drivers. Hours-of-service violations are one reason these accidents happen, but there are others. Commercial truckers can also suffer from untreated obstructive sleep apnea. People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea may experience excessive daytime drowsiness and trouble concentrating. As you have already likely guessed, these symptoms increase the risk of a truck crash. According to a Harvard University study, truck drivers with untreated sleep apnea are five times more likely to crash than those who receive treatment.
The Department of Transportation stopped pursuing a rule that aimed to improve the process for identifying and testing commercial truck drivers at higher risk of sleep apnea. However, commercial carriers can still choose to test their drivers for the condition. Mike Love & Associates LLC is a Lufkin, Texas, truck accident law firm. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of motor vehicle and truck accidents.