FMCSA Proposes Installing Monitoring Trucker’s Hours of Service with Electronic Onboard Recorders
The FMCSA is proposing a new regulation that would make it mandatory for interstate truck and bus companies to equip all their vehicles with electronic onboard recorders so that their drivers’ hours of service are monitored. As we’ve reported in past blogs, the hours-of-service rule is designed to restrict how many hours in a row truckers can drive and how much rest time and time off they must take in between shifts so that they don’t become too exhausted or tired that driving safely becomes a challenge. Unfortunately, there are still some truck drivers who attempt to get the most mileage possible out of their work days even if it means driving when they are drowsy or distracted or while breaking the hours-of-service regulations.
It is important that commercial truck drivers not drive on the road for too long so that they remain alert and wide awake. Our Chicago truck accident law firm has represented many people whose lives have changed in an instant because a trucker dozed off for a few seconds or was so tired that he or she didn’t step on the brakes in time to avoid striking a pedestrian or colliding with another vehicle.
If you were injured in a Chicago truck crash, an experienced injury attorney can help you figure out whether the other driver violated any FMCSA rules. Even if the trucker was in compliance with federal regulations, if he/she was drowsy driving, distracted driving, or engaging in any other type of negligent driving, you could be entitled to Chicago injury recovery from the truck driver and his or her employer.
Trucking companies know how to fight liability claims, which is why it is a good idea to have someone on your side that knows how to fight for you.
U.S. Proposes EOBRs for All Interstate Trucks, Transport Topics, January 31, 2011
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Proposes Changes to Hours-of-Service Regulations, Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers Blog, January 11, 2011
Related Web Resource:
FMCSA
