New federal law requires truck drivers to use electronic monitoring systems

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By Mark Barber

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — New federal rules went into effect Monday for the first time for truck drivers in the Carolinas.

They're now required to have an electronic monitoring system on board their trucks so they don't put others in danger by falling asleep behind the wheel.

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A Channel 9 crew was with North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers as they inspected trucks Monday in Gaston County, and saw a surprising number of drivers breaking the law.

"So far today, about 50 percent since 8 a.m. have been non-compliant," Trooper Ray Pierce said.

At weigh stations across the Carolinas, inspectors are warning dozens of drivers that their trucks don't meet the new safety requirements.

Without the latest monitor system, truckers can trick inspectors and drive more than their 11-hour day limit -- putting everyone in danger.

(WSOCTV.com)

"We'd respond down to the highway for multiple accidents due to fatigued driving," truck driver Eduardo Coronado said.

Coronado said he saw the dangerous driving first-hand as a firefighter. Now, he's a trucker and welcomes the accountability, like other local drivers who spoke with Channel 9.

"We've got a grandbaby in the car, so that means a lot that somebody cares enough to stop and do what they need to do to make sure that we get safely where we need to go," driver Melanie Conway said.

However, not everyone is on board with the new rules.

"A lot of the old school drivers, you could say, they don't like it. They think it will kill the industry," Coronado said.

Truck drivers in the Carolinas now required to have an electronic monitoring system on board their trucks so they don't put others in danger by falling asleep behind the wheel. (WSOCTV.com)

Troopers said the new rules could hurt companies that use older trucks. Companies may have to replace trucks that are more than 17 years old because some of their systems don't work with the new technology.

The monitoring systems are tied to the transmission of trucks and upload their data to the internet. When inspectors check the records, they can see when trucks were in motion and make sure they're not on the road too long.

Inspectors told Channel 9 that they will give truckers a few more months to upgrade their equipment before they start hammering violators with costly fines and other consequences.

"As of April 1, 2018, if you are in violation, it's an out-of-service violation. So, until that truck becomes compliant, it does not move," Pierce said.

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