Truck drivers often work the oddest hours imaginable. It is not unusual for truckers to pick up a load from somewhere at 3 a.m. and have to have it delivered somewhere else by 5 a.m., two days later. In between the pick up and delivery, the driver can only work a certain number of hours and must also take breaks for rest and sleep.
These breaks are required by law, and drivers are also required to record their break times as well as other daily activities in a logbook. For years, truck drivers have used paper log books. The problem with the paper logbooks is it is relatively easy to falsify information. In other words, a driver may be behind the wheel for longer periods than indicated in the book.
In the near future, drivers will be required to record their activities electronically. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has implemented a rule requiring a commercial driver to use an Electronic Logging Device. The date of full compliance of all driver subject to the new rule is December 16, 2019. In the meantime, truck drivers who are not already using ELDs can prepare for the upgrade.
The aim of the electronic logbook system is to better ensure that drivers are in compliance with the hours-of-service rules that require rest breaks. However, until full compliance is reached, there will likely be truck drivers on the road who are falsifying records and driving to the point of fatigue.
Most of us understand the dangers created by fatigued truck drivers and the horrible damage they can cause. If you or someone you love has been in a truck accident that you believe was due to a driver being negatively affected by fatigue, you may wish to solicit the services of a Texas personal injury attorney. The attorney could carry out an investigation of the accident and may be able to demonstrate that the driver performed his or her duties in a negligent manner.