Will Mandatory Electronic On-Board Recorders Prevent Hours-of-Service Violations?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hopes to reduce the incidence of hours-of-service (HOS) violations by trucking companies with a new rule that mandates the usage of electronic on-board recorders (EOBR). HOS regulations are intended to prevent truckers from continuously operating a truck for too long without taking a break. The new rule will require trucking companies with serious HOS violations to install electronic on-board recorders on their trucks.

How EOBRs May Prevent Trucker Fatigue Wrecks
The FMCSA hopes that this will be an effective way to monitor HOS records. The device will automatically record the number of hours a driver operates his truck. The law will not take effect until 2012. In the meantime, the FMCSA plans to mandate the use of EOBRs on other motor carrier vehicles, such as hazardous materials transporters.

Is Driver Fatigue a Problem?
Truck wrecks have a variety of causes, including trucker fatigue. Evidence indicates that falling asleep at the wheel while driving is a serious problem for truckers. Twenty-one percent of the truck drivers interviewed in a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety admitted to falling asleep at the wheel.

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Texas, a Houston truck accident lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries. Contact attorneys Denena & Points at 713-807-9500 or 877-307-9500.