Review Questions - Click On The Picture To Begin...
- EOBRs require me to enter data while I'm driving
- If I’m forced to use an EOBR, I’ll have less time behind the wheel
- None of these statements are true
- If I run out of hours, the EOBR will shut down my truck
Quote From The CDL Manual:
As with any major change within any industry, there has been some resistance to EOBRs. Let's bust some of the many myths and concerns you may hear about EOBRs.
“If I’m forced to use an EOBR, I’ll have less time behind the wheel.”
This is not true. Some drivers even claim EOBRs actually help them gain more time on the road. While paper log books require drivers to round up to the nearest 15 minutes, EOBRs record on-duty status right down to the minute. Over the course of a week, that can add up to hours of time on the road.
Additionally, most carriers will have access to your available driving hours at all times. That means carriers can more accurately plan your next load and use your available hours more efficiently. That leads to less downtime and more time driving.
“EOBRs require me to enter data while I'm driving which is unsafe.”
Drivers must log in to their EOBR at the beginning of their shift and log off when they’re finished for the day. As EOBRs detect when the truck is either moving or stationary, they can automatically record changes in duty status. Driver interaction while the truck’s in motion is never needed, though a countdown timer is available, ensuring you never find yourself out on the highway, unaware that you were nearly out of hours.
“An EOBR tells the government where I am and what I’m doing. I don’t want ‘big brother’ in my cab!”
Not true. Only the trucking company employees that you work for, who are authorized to view your EOBR data through, will be able to pinpoint your location. If the DOT demands an audit, they may view location-based data from your electronic logs, but they will not know your every move. It’s the same process as an audit of your paper logs, except that electronic driver logs save time and are more accurate.
“If I run out of hours, the EOBR will shut down my truck.”
Not true. Sure, remote shutdown technology is out there, but it’s not an EOBR standard. EOBRs were simply designed to record engine data—they don’t take control of your vehicle. Decisions about where a truck may safely be stopped are best left in the driver’s hands.
“EOBRs don’t make safer drivers.”
The answer is yes and no. EOBRs don’t dictate a truck’s speed, following distances, or lane changes. It also doesn't guarantee a driver is resting during his sleeper berth or off-duty time. And finally, on occasion, EOBR's will show available hours when a driver is not safe to drive. However, they do let drivers know how much time they have left behind the wheel each day. It also ensures that carriers can't "force" their drivers to drive illegally.
- A broken EOBR will require you to shut down immediately and remain off-duty until the EOBR can be repaired
- The driver is expected to use an "honor system" until the issue can be repaired
- Drivers are still required to have a paper logbook in the truck in case of a malfunction
- Drivers can call their carrier and have each duty-status changed remotely
Quote From The CDL Manual:
What if my EOBR malfunctions?
As with any electronic device, your EOBR may malfunction or become completely unusable at times. You are still required to have a paper logbook in the truck in case of a malfunction. It is your responsiblity to ensure your paper logbook accounts for all time your EOBR has been down.
TruckingTruth's Advice:
Remember, during a random logbook inspection, you may be asked to show that you have a paper logbook in case of an EOBR malfunction.
- All of these answers are correct
- Engine use
- Miles driven
- Road speed
Quote From The CDL Manual:
Manufacturers of EOBRs must certify that their devices meet the minimum requirements. This includes a requirement that an EOBR must be mechanically or electronically connected to the truck to automatically record, at a minimum, engine use, road speed, miles driven, the date, and time of day. Drivers enter other information required to complete the hours-of-service records. The vast majority of EOBRs now use GPS tracking to meet these requirements.
TruckingTruth's Advice:
Most EOBRs are integrated within satellite communication systems that drivers and dispatchers use to communicate with each other.
- Enforcement of Break Rules
- Electronic On-Board Recorder
- Electric Orientation and Break Recorder
- Electronic Occurrence and Break Recorder
Quote From The CDL Manual:
Many motor carriers have installed electronic devices in their trucks to help accurately record hours of service information. If such a device meets the requirements of the safety regulations, it is called an Electronic On-Board Recorder (EOBR), and may be used in place of a paper logbook.
TruckingTruth's Advice:
EOBRs are slowly becoming the industry standard. If you are hired on with any large carrier, chances are very high that you will be using an EOBR. Many small companies still use paper logbooks, but EOBRs will soon take over.
- EOBRs must store at least the previous 3 days of log information
- EOBRs must be capable of printing a log sheet
- An EOBR may be used without creating any paper copies
- EOBRs are declining in usage
Quote From The CDL Manual:
The EOBR device must be capable of displaying or printing for enforcement officers the times of duty status changes and other required information. It must also store this information for the prior 7 days. An EOBR may be used without creating any paper copies of logs by transmitting the data electronically to the carrier, or it may be used to print copies of the logs that would be signed by the driver and mailed to the carrier.
What Is The Future Of EOBRs
Even 5 years ago, the vast majority of major trucking carriers relied on paper logs. But the DOT and FMCSA have begun a historic crackdown on enforcing and regulating, among other things, HOS rules. Violations now effect both the drivers record as well as the carriers safety rating. We are at a turning point where it now makes financial sense for trucking companies to switch over from using paper logs to EOBRs. These electronic recording devices are here to stay and will only grow in usage as time goes on. In fact, on January 31, 2011, the FMCSA proposed a rule that would require Electronic On-Board Recorders for interstate commercial truck and bus companies.