DOT Cracks Down on Frequent Offenders

DOT Cracks Down on Frequent Offenders by Texas 18-Wheeler and Trucking Accident Lawyer Justin A. Hill

The same way drunk drivers are oftentimes required to have an ignitition-interlock device installed in their vehicle, the DOT is cracking down on trucking and bus companies that repeatedly violate governement regulations by requiring the installation of electronic on-board recorders.  According to the Federal Moter Carrier Safety Administration:

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration today issued a new rule that will require interstate commercial truck and bus companies with serious patterns of hours-of-service (HOS) violations to install electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs) in all their vehicles. Nearly 5,700 interstate carriers will use EOBRs after the final rule’s first year of implementation.  “We are committed to cracking down on carriers and drivers who put people on our roads and highways at risk,” said Secretary Ray LaHood. “This rule gives us another tool to enforce hours-of-service restrictions on drivers who attempt to get around the rules.”  “Safety is our highest priority,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “In addition to requiring EOBRs for carriers that have already demonstrated a pattern of hours-of-service violations, we will initiate a rulemaking later this year that considers an EOBR mandate for a broader population of commercial motor carriers.”  Electronic on-board recorders are devices attached to commercial vehicles that automatically record the number of hours drivers spend operating the vehicle. Driving hours are regulated by federal HOS rules, which are designed to prevent commercial vehicle-related crashes and fatalities by prescribing on-duty and rest periods for drivers.  Under the EOBR final rule, carriers found with 10 percent or more HOS violations during a compliance review will be required to install EOBRs in all their vehicles for a minimum of two years. The rule also provides new technical performance standards for EOBRs installed in commercial motor vehicles, including requirements for recording the date, time and location of a driver’s duty status.  Additionally, carriers that voluntarily adopt EOBRs will receive relief from some of FMCSA’s requirements to retain HOS supporting documents, such as toll receipts used to check the accuracy of driver logbooks.  The rule will go into effect on June 1, 2012, to ensure EOBR manufacturers have sufficient time to meet the rule’s performance standards and to manufacture products to meet industry demand.

NHTSA reports that fatigue/drowsiness/and drivers falling asleep cause approximately 100,000 accidents a year. If someone you know was injured or killed as the result of an 18-wheeler accident, big rig accident or tractor-trailer accident, encourage them to immediately contact a competent attorney for advice. It is extremely important to do this quickly to ensure that evidence is preserved, statements are taken, and the rights of all claimants are protected.