Truckers have been required to use electronic logging devices (ELDs) since the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) made them mandatory for all heavy-duty truck drivers. While some drivers appreciate these devices, others have reservations about surveillance devices that constantly monitor them.
Continue reading below to learn more about ELDs and determine whether they are beneficial or detrimental to truckers.
What Is an Electronic Logging Device?
An electronic logging device is a tool that automatically captures important information from the truck’s engine. This device records information in real-time to help ensure the driver is adhering to trucking regulations while maintaining safety on the road.
There are several types of ELDs available, and the specific type that a trucker uses typically depends on the trucking company’s needs.
How Does an ELD Work?
An ELD works by syncing up with a truck’s engine to collect data about the trip. Most ELDs start to record and log information once the truck is traveling at 5 miles per hour or more. Many use cellular networks to transmit information back to the trucking company. When a truck driver is pulled over for an inspection or safety audit, they must be able to provide their ELD data.
There are many different types of electronic logging devices available today. However, the FMCSA has a list of approved ELD devices.
These devices capture important information, such as:
- Date
- Time
- Location
- Vehicle miles
- Engine hours
Even when using these electronic devices, drivers must still ensure that they adhere to all hours-of-service rules. Failure to do so could result in a violation of the law, and they may be required to stop and rest for a specified amount of time before resuming their journey.
How Do ELDs Help Truckers?
These devices provide several great benefits to truckers. First, these devices ensure that a trucker’s logs are accurate and detailed. Before using ELDs, truckers were required to keep paper logs with details about their trips. ELDs make this process much easier and more efficient.
Next, some truckers have stated that ELDs prevent their dispatchers from bullying them into breaking the rules. The data in the ELD cannot be falsified, so the trucking company cannot ignore the data stored in the device.
These devices can also help ensure that truckers are following the rules, making the roads safer for everyone. Drivers who are breaking the hours of service rules are much more likely to be involved in a truck accident that could harm innocent victims.
Drawbacks of ELDs
Although some truck drivers are satisfied with their ELDs, many still express concerns about these devices. One of the biggest complaints is that they feel they are constantly being spied on. Many truckers do not appreciate the “Big Brother” surveillance feel of the device, and they would prefer to keep their own trip records manually.
Another complaint is that the ELD leaves no room for flexibility. For instance, if you are two minutes away from completing a trip and exceed your time limit, you are immediately in violation of the rules. Some truckers believe there should be a small amount of wiggle room for situations like this.
Improving Safety in the Trucking Industry
Although some drivers still dislike ELDs, they appear to be improving overall safety thus far. According to the FMCSA’s 2023 Report to Congress, there has been a verified decrease in HOS violations since the implementation of the ELD requirements. These electronic logs are more secure and significantly less prone to falsification.
Contact Our St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
While ELDs are headed in the right direction in terms of safety, there is still room for improvement. If you have been hurt in a truck accident, you need a lawyer with experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims involving big trucks.
Contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our St. Louis truck accident lawyers.
For more information, please contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in St. Louis, MO, today. We have two convenient locations in Missouri, including St. Louis and Richmond Heights.
We proudly serve St. Louis County and its surrounding areas.
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
10 S Broadway #560
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 932-1066
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Richmond Heights Office
1034 S Brentwood Blvd Penthouse 1-C
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
(314) 463-4173