When it comes to commercial truck drivers, there are a number of tasks that they must complete in order to ensure they are doing everything in a safe and effective manner. Keeping themselves and others on the road safe is very important.
One of these tasks is ensuring they are logging the numbers of hours they’re working, when they are taking a break, and when they’re back on shift. It’s important for these logs to be completed for a number of different reasons.
In the trucking industry, various regulations—called the Hours of Service—determine the amount of time a driver may be able to operate a truck before they must take a break. It also dictates how long the break must be before they’re able to drive the truck again.
Logging these hours is one way to keep individuals on par with the Hours of Service regulations and shows the trucking company that the driver is properly doing what they need to so they can avoid potential dangers.
Part of ensuring the proper hours are adhered to is keeping drivers from becoming fatigued and falling asleep at the wheel. If this happens and the driver causes a serious crash, they may be held accountable for the damages sustained by the other party.
The driver’s log can help hold them accountable for their actions. If they’re logging their hours, then there should be no problems. However, if it’s shown they weren’t logging hours after a crash, it may go a long way in determining liability.
Our Michigan truck accident attorneys at Fieger Law are dedicated to your rights and helping you fully understand what legal options are available to you. We are here to stand in your corner every step of the way.