Large trucks are a frequent sight on Pennsylvania roadways. Given the nature of the job that truckers do, it is a requirement that operators keep a trucking log to record how long they have been driving. Whereas drivers have grown accustomed to logging their driving hours by hand, new technology is changing the way logging is done.
A rule implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will require commercial truck and bus drivers to electronically keep track of their hours. Drivers logging hours by hand caused complaints from those investigating a trucking accident and those advocating for greater safety to say that these handwritten logs were easy to alter to avoid the regulations.
With electronic logs, it will be easier for inspectors to find violators who are not following the new rule. These electronic logs will discourage drivers from trying to alter the records in any way. Drivers complain about this new rule as they say that companies will have the ability to gain access to the logs and try to force the drivers who have yet to reach the limit of hours they are legally allowed to continue driving to keep going even if they feel that they need to rest.
The FMCSA believes that the electric logs will save money and prevent injuries and fatalities that can result from a semi-truck accident. Companies will be granted two years from the official implementation to begin using the electronic logs. Since drivers might lose the ability to operate their vehicles safely due to driving while fatigued, the new rule for using electronic logs is an attempt to reduce the risk. Even with that, there is still a chance that a crash will occur, and a person who has been injured in a truck accident caused by a drowsy truck driver may want to meet with a personal injury attorney to see what recourse may be available for seeking compensation.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
September 12, 2023
