ATA gives on-board recorders thumbs-up

The American Trucking Associations announced its support for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's proposed rule regarding the use of electronic on-board recording devices (EOBRs) on commercial vehicles. The proposed regulation outlines an approach to the greater implementation of technology designed to improve safety and document driver compliance with work and rest rules.

FMCSA's proposed rule contains three main components. It identifies the performance specifications for the new technology and outlines regulatory incentives to encourage the trucking industry to adopt EOBRs. It also establishes criteria that would trigger a requirement for certain motor carriers to equip their trucks with EOBRs if they were found to have serious and continuing problems complying with mandatory driver work and rest rules.

In response to a new policy adopted by its members, ATA has pushed for a pilot program that would determine the effectiveness of EOBRs in improving compliance and safety performance, while also addressing the industry's diverse nature. ATA also believes that incentives would assist motor carriers in adopting the technology.