Understanding EOBRs and How They Can Prevent Virginia Truck Accidents

by Kevin Duffan

Kevin is a Virginia injury attorney who handles car accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, etc.

Currently, all commercial truckers in the United States are required by federal law to record their activities. This includes when they stop, when they sleep, and how long they drive. However, many in the trucking industry refer to these activity logs as “comic books.” This means, of course, that self-reported information more often than not is inaccurate.
With paper logs, it is all too easy for truckers to lie about their time on the road or whether they stopped when they say they did. This can lead to fatigued driving and distracted driving, which in turn leads to Virginia truck accidents and truck accident fatalities.
Electronic onboard recorders for tractor-trailers
The newest and best way to combat inaccurate trucker logs is to install electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs), devices which are linked to the vehicle’s engine and record both when the truck is running and where the big rig is located. These electronic recording devices:

Make it easier for trucking companies to see where their truckers are down to the minute.
Help create a more accurate and efficient trucking system.
Make it more difficult for truckers to break hours of service rules or drive fatigued.
Help to eliminate human error.

However, some trucking companies complain that the electronic logging devices are expensive – especially for smaller outfits. At the same time, truckers complain that the devices breach trust and take away their privacy.
Will mandatory electronic logging be federally mandated?
Recently, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed a new federal trucking regulation that would require all commercial trucks to have an onboard electronic recording device. However, the Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association filed a lawsuit against them, stating that the devices harassed drivers.
While many larger and mid-sized truck companies have installed electronic logging devices, smaller companies are worried about the cost of mandatory electronic logging. Other, however, say that the devices prevent tractor-trailer accidents and save truck companies money by making their trips more efficient, avoiding truck accident lawsuits, and avoiding fines.
Virginia truck accident injury attorneys
Have you been injured in a Virginia truck accident and wonder whether you deserve compensation? Do you believe your Virginia big rig crash was the result of a fatigued trucker? Speak to a Hampton personal injury attorney today.

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About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling truck wreck cases. Check out our truck accident case results and our free consumer guide on what to do if you get involved in an accident with a commercial truck.

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Understanding EOBRs and How They Can Prevent Virginia Truck Accidents