Friday, April 18, 2014

Electronic Logging Devices: What are they and will they be approved?

     Electronic Logging Devices or ELDs are essentially electronic log books for truckers.  They capture speed, distance, and driver location.  The U.S. Department of Transportation's Motor Carrier Safety Administration has made a proposal that would required ELDs in commercial trucks and buses.

     Crash data shows that over the road truckers often exceed the limits on work hours. It is not uncommon for drivers and their employers to alter log books or to maintain a separate set of books, to conceal their excessive driving from inspectors.   Driver impairment, which includes fatigue, was a factor in 12 percent of the total crashes involving large trucks or buses in 2012.

     Safety advocates have been pushing for ELDs for some time and it is believed that even if adopted, it may take some time for implementation.

Chrish@PittmanDutton.com