Electronic logging devices are federally mandated devices that automatically track driving time and hours of service. These devices replace the old paper logbooks that truckers once had to maintain while they were on the road.
The electronic logging device syncs with a vehicle’s engine to track when the truck is moving, when it stops and how long it’s been in motion. They also maintain information, such as miles driven and engine hours. The rig’s location is tracked through GPS.
The goal of these devices is to reduce fatigue-related crashes, improve road safety and ensure hours of service regulation compliance. The information captured by these devices can also help truckers and trucking companies if they need to present a defense in a case that’s claiming a crash occurred because the trucker was in violation of hours of service regulations.
Critical information to present the bigger picture
It’s possible that the electronic logs can show that a trucker wasn’t actually liable for a crash. The location logs, times driven, and miles driven information can be used to put together a timeline that can reconstruct the trucker’s travel path. This may help to present clear evidence of what happened in the period leading up to the crash in question. Because these devices keep timestamped records and have comprehensive information recorded in a way that can’t be manipulated, they can be a powerful tool for the defense.
Any trucker or trucking company that’s facing a personal injury or wrongful death claim should explore what forms of evidence may be beneficial. Working with someone familiar with these matters may help them to make choices that are in their best interests.