The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prescribes safety standards for the trucking industry, and regulates drivers, motor carriers, and vehicle equipment. Because fatigued truckers pose a danger to others on the road, the FMCSA uses hours-of-service (HOS) rules to set the maximum number of hours a trucker can drive before taking a break. But some truckers violate these rules. The FMCSA has passed a new rule that will allow it to monitor the most serious violators with electronic on-board recorders (EOBR).
HOS Violators Must Use Electronic On-Board Recorders
One of the leading causes of truck wrecks is trucker fatigue. A trucker who violates HOS rules puts other drivers at risk of injury or death. A new FMCSA rule will require the use of electronic on-board recorders by interstate commercial truck companies with a history of serious HOS violations. EOBRs keep track of HOS by automatically recording the number of hours a trucker operates his vehicle.
The FMCSA will look at a trucking company’s HOS records to determine where the new rule is applicable. A company with a violation rate of 10% or higher will be required to install EOBRs on all of its commercial motor vehicles. The trucking company must use the device for two years. The agency estimates that 5,700 interstate carriers will be required to use EOBRs after the rule takes effect on June 4, 2012.
The FMCSA also intends to require EOBR use by other carriers. The agency believes that some carriers, such as passenger carriers, hazardous materials transporters, and new motor carriers, pose a great risk to others. Consequently, the FMCSA will consider expanding the scope of EOBR usage to other carriers.
Legal Help for Your Truck Accident
The purpose of the FMCSA is to keep people safe by regulating the commercial trucking industry. Unfortunately, some risks do still exist. If you have been injured in a Texas truck accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation from the trucking company. The attorneys at Denena & Points have experience with truck accidents. Call 713-807-9500 or 877-307-9500 for a consultation with a Houston truck accident lawyer.