The Rant

Before I start into a political rant I should explain what a drivers log is. As an operator of a commercial motor vehicle I am required by law to maintain a daily record of my activities. This shows where I’ve been, what I was doing when and for how long. The day splits into four categories. Off duty, Sleeper, Driving and On Duty not driving. We are at this time only required to maintain a record. The current law does not yet stipulate if that record is a written (on two part forms) or electronic. The Federal Law leaves it up to the companies to decide (depending on safety record) which type of drivers records they wish to use.

No for a little rant:
This is a sticker I found on a big rig parked next to me tonight in a truck stop parking lot. Most people would not even have noticed it. However as a driver I do. It is my opinion that this is another example of the Federal Government and its agencies over reaching powers. This driver either works for a large company that thinks it needs to stay one step ahead. Or, he works for a company with a terrible safety record. In the end, it makes no difference which. The thing I have yet to understand is how a mandated electronic log makes anything safer. This driver is now forced (due to the electronic log) to continue on driving regardless of weather or any other factor that has affected the drivers alertness. Not being able to stop for a nap when the driver is exhausted makes no one safe. I’m not one that advocates breaking the law in regards to a drivers daily duty hours. However, I will say that there is no possible way that any agency or politician knows when I’m tired and ready for sleep more so than my body. Yes, this happens to very closely coincide with the current hours of service regulations.

Drive safely and give that big rig a little room to move.
—@QBall45