The use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) is one step closer to being a reality for the commercial trucking industry. The final rule has been sent from the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for final approval. Hopefully, the rule will be approved as written and published by the end of September. These ELDs will replace the old paper Hours of Service (HOS) logs. This means that drivers’ hours will be reported more accurately, with less room for error and deliberate unlawful misreporting.
Penalties for Pressuring Drivers to Break Rules
Unfortunately, the commercial motor carrier industry has been fraught with unscrupulous shippers, brokers and companies who have pressured drivers to break federal safety regulations in order to move more goods across the country faster and cheaper, with little regard for the laws or the risks involved. Along with the ELD rule, there will also be a Prohibition of Driver Coercion rule that will hold companies and brokers accountable for pressuring drivers to break federal safety regulations like HOS violations, drug and alcohol testing rules and even hazmat regulations.
Holding Commercial Truck Owners and Driver Accountable
In addition to being able to suspend or revoke an operator or motor carrier’s registration, the FMCSA would also be able to impose penalties of up to $11,000 per offense. Don’t think that just because operators and motor carrier owners might be held accountable that truck drivers won’t also face consequences for violating federal safety regulations. With technological advances like ELDs, the DOT and FMCSA are going to be able to better regulate the commercial shipping industry and hold dangerous owners and drivers accountable for putting lives at risk.
Truck Accidents in San Jose
Truck accident cases often require much more in-depth investigative efforts than accidents involving traditional passenger occupant vehicles. In addition to the rules of the road and traffic laws that everybody follows, truck drivers and trucking company owners have additional federal regulations to follow.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving a semi truck, tractor trailer or other large truck, contact the team at Alexander Law Group, LLP at 888.777.1776 for a free case consultation today.
