How Logbooks Help Ensure Safe Truck Driving Habits

 Without long-distance commercial trucks, companies would have difficulty shipping their goods from one part of the U.S. to another. It is also true that commercial trucks form a vital part of the economy. 

However, because of the inherent danger of these huge vehicles on America's highways, truck drivers and their employers must abide by several rules. 

 For instance, commercial truck drivers must keep a logbook and ensure it is updated daily. Logbooks were traditionally kept as paper records but have since transformed into ELDs (electronic logging devices). 

These records track the driver's activities throughout the workday, but it is not only about catching those who slack off on the job. Logbook data also plays a role in promoting safe driving habits. It helps drivers comply with HOS (hours of service) regulations. Logbooks can also provide critical information in the event of an accident. 

HOS Regulations Are Non-Negotiable

 HOS rules and regulations are set by strict governing bodies like the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). They limit the hours a driver can spend on the road, including driving, not driving but on duty, and off-duty. 

 The purpose of these non-negotiable regulations is to cut down on truck driver fatigue. When a driver is overly tired, their reaction time automatically slows down. They can also no longer make sound judgment calls, which is when accidents happen. 

 Logbooks ensure drivers follow the rules because they must make detailed notes about their work hours and activities. 

Logbooks Promote Safe Driving and Protect Other Road Users

 Logbooks motivate drivers to plan their journeys better. This means they make an effort to take time for rest breaks. It also allows them to note potential delays due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances. 

 When a plan is in place, it reduces the pressure on truck drivers to keep going for long periods without taking a break. This is still a common cause of fatigue-related truck accidents. 

 As expected, logbooks continue to enhance safety practices within trucking companies. Because truck drivers know their logbooks are being scrutinized, they are more likely to rest and drive safely.

If a company notices that a driver is struggling or neglecting to stay within safe driving limits, it can use the driver's log data to point out areas for improvement.

Why ELDs Are Superior 

 Back in the day, when paper logbooks were all trucking companies had to rely on, there was a high rate of false log entries. They would either fill out the logs once a week or only when their employer asked to see it. This backtracking method allowed truck drivers to lie about HOS violations. 

 Moreover, some drivers would keep duplicate sets of logbooks if they are pulled over on the road for an inspection. 

 Cheating the system was easy with paper logbooks. With the introduction of ELDs, it became much harder. Today, ELDs are mandatory for most commercial trucks, not only in the U.S. but also in many other countries. 

 ELDs are digital devices that connect to a truck's engine and telematics system. The system automatically records driving time, on-duty hours, and off-duty hours, eliminating any chance of tampering with records.  

 Furthermore, many ELD systems alert drivers when they near their daily HOS limit. This reminds drivers to take the required break or end their shift.

 It is also much easier for fleet managers to identify driver behavior using ELD data. This means they can intervene sooner if there is a problem to avoid bigger issues down the road, such as accidents. 

 ELDs have also eliminated the need for time-consuming manual entries, but paper logs should be used as a backup if the system goes offline. 

Logbooks Are Vital After Truck Accidents

 Unfortunately, truckers and their employers can take all safety precautions, but it does not mean accidents will never happen. When an accident does occur, the driver's logbook becomes evidence to help determine fault. 

 Logbooks give investigations a record of the driver's work schedule. The entries will show whether the driver adhered to all the necessary regulations during the accident. If the driver violated HOS rules, they may be deemed negligent in a lawsuit. 

 On the other hand, logbooks can also protect responsible drivers. If a driver makes accurate and complete log entries every day, it provides them with a solid defense during a lawsuit. 

Logbooks Will Always Be an Invaluable Part of the Trucking Industry

 Completing logbook data must be part of a truck driver's daily tasks. This regulation helps protect not only the driver and employer but everyone else using the roads.