Missouri Truck Accident Blog

The Future is (almost) Now: Wireless Roadside Inspections (WRI)

The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is currently researching the “Wireless Roadside Inspections” (WRI) program. As currently designed, the program will be voluntary for trucking companies and carriers that have demonstrated safety and compliance capabilities. The program will attempt to automate safety inspections for both the trucking company and driver credentials, their electronic driver logs, and the status of their safety system. Many of the details have yet to be determined and the FMCSA is working with members of the trucking industry to work out requirements that can be of value to both the trucking industry and law enforcement.

This program will be possible because of EOBRs (Electronic On Board Recorders). EOBRs are electronic devices on trucks or tracker trailers that can produce, upon demand, a driver’s hours of service chart, electronic display, or printout showing the time and sequence of duty status changes including the driver’s starting time at the beginning of each day. New EOBR rule (395.16), which provides a regulatory requirement for EOBRs to have capabilities to support wireless inspections, allows for the possibility of wireless access.

The WRI program is currently in a development phase with a pilot operation planned for early 2010. The expected implementation for WRI is in the 2012 to 2015 timeframe. Initially the program hopes to cover inspections of driver and tractor trailer credentials and HOS (hours of service) log data. As stated above participation in WRI will be voluntary.

The focus of this program is to bring new technology to create more efficiency and reliability in tracking and maintaining HOS (hours of Service) data, the most important component of truck safety on our highways. The promise of this program may allow for accurate real time data showing a lack of compliance or abuse of important safety regulations.

Missouri tractor trailer accidents across the highways and interstates of our State, as a result of abuses or failure in compliance of hours of service regulations, cause many deaths and serious injuries. These deaths and injuries, often times forever change people’s lives and can devastate families.

In addition, Missouri 18 Wheeler accidents result in significant lost wages and enormous medical bills. If you or someone you care for has been injured in a Missouri or Illinois tractor trailer accident, contact the truck accident lawyers at Page Cagle. Our St. Louis personal injury attorneys will help get you the compensation you deserve for you injuries. Our skilled St. Louis truck accident attorneys will help you get through these tough times. Our experience is unparalleled and our commitment to you. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 314-322-8515. You can also visit us online at www.injuredclient.com.