Truck Drivers Should Not Create Fake Log Books

In the truck driving industry, there is a constant need to be on the move. Time demands on delivery are pushing drivers to be out on the road as much as possible. However, when that need interferes with the health and safety of truck drivers and those around them it becomes a hazard. Some in the trucking industry feel the need to push the limit of their driving to make more money or get more business. This push will bring a driver or an employer to the edge, where there is a large risk of making mistakes. In Washington State, troopers have recently noticed an increase of truck related accidents. The cause of many of these accidents are drivers who are driving when they are too tired. By faking their log book, some drivers drive through the required hours of sleep and become dangers on the road. While the Washington State Troopers understand they drive to make more money, they claim the risk is simply too great.

"To truck drivers, time is money," said Trooper Mike Harmon. "A lot of their companies just push them, push them, and push them. But my gosh, can you imagine what a vehicle that weighs that much with a driver that's that tired can do?" To help troopers catch drivers who are falsifying their log books and driving too long, they have enlisted the help of a state-of-the-art computer system. This system uses sensors and cameras which are placed at various locations along the interstate to track the movements of trucks and keep record of which trucks are violating regulations. The troopers will then flag the truck driver and stop them when they approach set of scales.

Through this method, troopers were able to apprehend one truck driver who faked his log so severely that it said he was in a different state. Thus far, Washington State Troopers have caught 60 drivers who have faked their log books. The fine for faking a log book is around $179. Along with a fine, when truck drivers are caught with false log books they are detained and made to pull over for the amount of time required by the HOS.

A truck driving job is dangerous enough with the regulated amount of hours on the perilous road. With the inability to control the actions of those drivers around you, it is imperative to remain as alert as possible while driving. No amount of money is worth your life or the lives of those who drive next to you. Please remember to drive safe and remain alert. To learn more about the Hours of Service requirements pertaining to the trucking industry, visit http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/hos/index.htm.