What Is a Driver’s Daily Log?

Trucking is a fairly demanding job, but unlike other taxing positions, commercial drivers who fail to prioritize their health are not only putting themselves at risk but also everyone on the road around them. For example, truckers who do not get adequate sleep before getting behind the wheel are at risk of causing a devastating collision.

Because of the risks that drunk, distracted, and drowsy truckers pose to others, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has implemented strict regulations to ensure commercial drivers always remain alert en route. Despite the fact that truckers must maintain a daily log so the FMCSA can monitor compliance, though, there are still some individuals who do not abide by the safety regulations.

If you sustained serious injuries in a collision with a negligent commercial driver, you may be entitled to compensation for both the economic and non-economic damages that you have incurred. To discuss the case with a seasoned lawyer and determine the best way to proceed, contact the Cooper Law Firm.

Attorney N. Eric Cooper is proud to help accident victims throughout east Texas pursue the compensation they deserve. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation with a truck accident attorney in Texas.

What Is a Driver’s Daily Log?

The daily log is a way for truckers to track their hours on the road. Traditionally, commercial drivers filled out these logs by hand; however, advancements in technology have made it possible to track travel time electronically.

In fact, by the end of 2019, intrastate truckers throughout Texas must use electronic logging devices to record their hours. In the meantime, though, some transportation companies will still rely on written logs.

Who Must Maintain a Daily Log?

Anyone who drives a commercial motor vehicle and is thus subject to their safety regulations must maintain an accurate, thorough, and comprehensive logbook. In this book, individuals must track every day on which they drive a commercial motor vehicle, as well as the seven days prior, unless an exception applies.

What Kind of Information Must the Daily Log Include?

The daily log must contain an individual 24-hour graph grid for each day on the road. On each page, the trucker must include:

• The day, month, and year;
• The total miles driven;
• The vehicle number assigned by the transportation company or the license number and licensing state of the truck;
• The name of the motor carrier responsible for the truck;
• The carrier’s main office address;
• The name of the co-driver, if applicable; and
• The trucker’s signature.

In addition to space for all of the above, every log page has a section for remarks. This is where the driver must note the city and state where a change of duty status occurs. It is also where the trucker can expand upon any abnormalities in log entries.

There are several reasons why maintaining an accurate daily log is essential, and most of them have to do with safety. For example, if the trucker is involved in a collision, investigators will want to review the log to determine the cause of the crash.

If you were hurt in a truck accident but are not sure how to access critical pieces of evidence like the daily log, turn to the Cooper Law Firm for quality legal guidance. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Texas. If you want to learn more about 18-wheeler collision claims, visit the USAttorneys website.