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Introduction to the ELD Mandate

Although most people now understand what the ELD mandate is and what it requires, it’s still a good idea to explain it, especially for those who aren’t entirely familiar with the details.

What is the ELD Mandate and Who Enforces It?

The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) enforces the ELD mandate. It works closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT), and its primary goal is to improve road safety while reducing the number of accidents across the United States.

How the ELD Mandate Will Help Improve Road Safety

In fact, driver fatigue is one of the biggest causes of road accidents. Moreover, doctors have recently confirmed that driver fatigue significantly contributes to vehicle crashes. Therefore, addressing this issue is crucial for improving overall road safety.

The Current Problem with Hours of Service (HOS)

Currently, the FMCSA has certain Hours of Service (HOS) rules that limit how many hours a driver can operate in a day. However, there’s a major issue: drivers use paper logs to record their hours. Unfortunately, these logs are easy to manipulate and falsify, which undermines the effectiveness of the regulations.

The Consequences of Manipulating HOS Logs

As a result, many drivers end up driving more than they should. Sometimes, fleet managers coerce drivers into breaching their Hours of Service limits. These drivers often work longer hours, become fatigued, and as a consequence, they significantly increase the risk of road accidents. Clearly, this poses a serious safety threat.

How ELDs Reduce Fatigue and Improve Safety

To address these issues, the ELD mandate requires most commercial motor vehicles to use electronic logging devices. These ELDs eliminate the need for paper logs and automatically record driver duty statuses and HOS information. Additionally, ELDs are tamper-resistant, so no one can alter the recorded information. As a result, the data is much more reliable and accurate.
(Excerpt from Keep Truckin)

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If you’re insured by Progressive, visit Saberlines Insurance. Simply fill out a form, and they will cover your ELD costs!

Visit our Truck Insurance Tips page for more useful information regarding your truck insurance.