Can Electronic Onboard Recorders Prevent Truck Accidents?
Operating a tractor trailer isn’t easy, especially if you’re tired. According to the researcher, truck drivers who accurately record their hours of operation are less likely to cause traffic accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates drivers’ hours of service, but some employers still pressure drivers to operate tractor-trailers to the point of exhaustion.
In December 2011, the FMCSA published a Hours of Service Final Rule with specific instructions for commercial drivers, but some drivers choose to ignore these regulations.
In response to escalating concern for highway safety, electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs) were introduced to the commercial trucking market.
The trucking companies uses EOBRs to log drivers’ hours of service, speed, and distance traveled. Employers can use this information to make sure that their drivers abide by trucking regulations, speed limits, and legal hours of service.
Electronic Onboard Records vs. Paper Logbooks
Before EOBRs, truck drivers logged their hours of service by hand, but this method is outdated and easy to manipulate. On the other hand, EOBRs are efficient and difficult to falsify. They can also help the trucking industry avoid traffic collisions.
In the past, commercial truck drivers could easily fabricate their record books to make it look like they drove more miles in a shorter amount of time. At first glance, this might seem harmless, but inaccurate records can force drivers to operate their commercial vehicles for more time. This oversight can lead to truck accidents caused by tired driving.
Can EOBRs Reduce Truck Driver Fatigue?
EOBRs can help reduce the number of trucking accidents caused by fatigued driving. By accurately tracking drivers’ hours of service, EOBRs can alert employers when drivers have reached their legal limit for the day. This procedure ensures that truckers don’t operate vehicles for an extended period of time and avoid driving while fatigued.
In addition, EOBRs can also help employers monitor drivers’ speed, which is another factor in trucking-related accidents. By monitoring speed and distance traveled, EOBRs can help employers enforce safe driving habits and prevent collisions.
Collecting Data from the Electronic Control Models
In addition to tracking driver information, EOBRs can also collect data from the vehicles’ electronic control models (ECMs). ECMs measure powertrain performance and vehicle diagnostics, allowing employers to understand how their commercial trucks are running. This allows employers to identify any potential problems that could lead to an accident.
Overall, EOBRs are a valuable asset to the trucking industry and can help reduce the number of accidents caused by driver fatigue.
The trucking industry can also benefit from EOBRs in other ways. Employers who use EOBRs may find that their drivers are more productive and efficient, as they will be better equipped to stick to the regulations set out by the FMCSA. Additionally, this data could be used to better plan routes and optimize fuel efficiency.
EOBRs and Personal Injury Lawsuits
Onboard recorders can be used to establish certain forms of negligence after a serious traffic accident. If the EOBR shows that the driver was operating the truck for too long, you could use this information to establish a case for negligent tired driving. Similarly, the board recorder might show that the truck was speeding – another form of negligence.
To learn more about your rights after a serious truck accident, contact the Las Vegas truck accident attorneys from Shook & Stone today.