In 2014, police reported more than 400, 000 large truck accidents to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). In those crashes, almost 3, 500 road users were killed. Another 82, 000 suffered non-fatal injuries – some of which were serious and life-altering. To combat this concerning number of injuries and deaths, the FMCSA has implemented a law that requires all trucks be monitored with an electronic logging device, or ELD. This will transfer data on driving times and behavior directly to government agencies. Unsurprisingly, drivers and trucking fleet companies are resisting the change.
Little Time Left to Prepare
The law that mandates the new ELDs be used was passed by Congress in 2012, but did not take effect until December of 2015. Understanding to the difficulties that trucking companies might face in trying to implement the new devices, Congress gave all fleets and drivers two years to comply. That means they have just one year left to complete the transition. Yet, as of November of 2016, only 15 companies had registered devices with the FMCSA.
Many have stalled because they were in hopes of getting the mandate repealed. Others are afraid they will lose too many drivers once the mandate goes into effect. In fact, one company went under shortly after installing ELDs in their trucks. While this hesitation does suggest that trucking companies may be hesitant for reasons that are somewhat concerning, it could be saying far more about the drivers themselves.
Unsafe Drivers Far More Common Than Most Realize
It is often said that cameras and other forms of monitoring technology are there to keep honest people honest. Of course, those that are not honest – not following rules and regulations, etc. – there is bound to be backlash. It appears that may be what is happening within the trucking industry. Drivers are not allowed to drive more than 11 hours straight, and they cannot drive while intoxicated. The ELDs could detect behaviors that may indicate intoxication, and they would certainly determine if a driver is behind the wheel longer than they should be. What does this mean for those who are injured or killed in truck crashes now? The following explains.
Victims May be Owed Compensation
If you or someone you love has been injured or wrongfully killed in a truck crash, you have the right to pursue full and fair compensation. Unfortunately, obtaining a settlement can be a difficult and arduous task, especially when you are already dealing with grief and/or physical recovery. Furthermore, attorneys and insurance claims adjusters often do anything and everything they can to reduce or eliminate a payout. In some cases, this could result in further victimization of the injured party or grieving family.
At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., we protect the victims of trucking accidents. Seasoned and committed to your best interests, our Green Bay trucking accident lawyers will fight for you. Learn more about how we can assist you with your case. Call 920-739-7366 and schedule a personalized consultation with us today.
Sources:
https://www.trucks.com/2016/11/29/electronic-logging-devices-truckers-switch/
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2014
http://www.overdriveonline.com/will-eld-mandate-hold-under-a-trump-presidency/#