Emerging rules accelerate use of data recorders

The use of technology in fleet vehicle operations is getting a push from pending regulations.

President Barack Obama signed the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act into law on July 6, 2012. MAP-21 requires the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to issue a final rule by Oct. 1, 2013, regarding the use of electronic on-board recorders.

Experts predict the FMCSA will mandate the recorders for all interstate commercial motor vehicles when it rules in October.

“Because of MAP-21, there will be more technology going into the vehicles,” said Chris Hayes, Hartford, Conn.-based director of transportation services in the risk control department of Travelers Cos. Inc.

“Fleet owners will see that once you put an electronic recording device into a vehicle, it will be an easy transition into more robust telematic devices that put more data into the hands of risk managers.”