How to Use Driver Logs to Improve Your Driving Skills

As a truck driver, you may feel that your main job is to deliver products from point A to point B and that filling out your driver's log is just a necessary evil. But driver logs are an essential part of the job, and if used properly, they can even help you to become a better driver.

And there is more good news – now that electronic logging devices (ELDs) are widely used across the industry, completing your logbooks is easier than ever. These ELDs are part of the telematics software that provides analytics to a range of information for the operation of your company's fleet.

Completing your driver's logs is more than just your company policy. It is something that is mandated by federal law – and making sure that it is done correctly can protect you and your business from substantial fines.

What is a driver's log?

Your driver's log is an official record that tracks when you are driving, when you are on duty but not driving, when you are off duty and when you are sleeping. The purpose of this record is to enforce compliance with legislation concerning driver behaviour. For example, if you are a long-haul driver, there are certain sleep requirements that must be met within a 24-hour driving period. Your driver's log will help ensure that you are complying with the laws.

Driver's logs need to be completed daily. If a driver fails to fill them out – or worse, tries to falsify them – then both the driver and the trucking company could be subject to heavy fines. Therefore, drivers need to develop good habits when it comes to maintaining their logs.

So how can using driver logs improve your driving skills?

It is common for drivers to feel pressure to get to their designations quickly and even early. This may make them feel tempted to get less sleep or take shorter breaks, which can lead to fatigue, poor decision-making, and even an increased risk of accidents.

Logbooks protect the driver not only from fines but also from underestimating the time that they've spent on the road, which can lead to a lack of alertness.

The role of ELDs

In the past, driver logbooks were completely analog, with drivers having to keep track and fill out everything manually. ELDs make the process considerably easier as they hook up directly to the vehicle's engine and can record when you are driving, when the vehicle is turned off, and even when the vehicle is idling.

EDLs simplifies the process of recording your hours of service (HOS), making it easier than ever to comply with regulations.

How often should I complete my driver's log?

Logbooks should be filled out every shift in order to maintain accurate HOS records. It is also critical that your logbooks match the information recorded by your ELDs. As a driver, it is your responsibility to fill out your driver's logs daily, and it is your employer's responsibility to keep all of the logbooks organized so that they can be quickly and easily accessed in the event of an audit.

What information does a logbook track?

Traditional logbooks contain a chart that is divided up into 24 sections, with each section representing one hour. Drivers can use this chart to indicate one of four statuses for each hour of the day. The four statuses are:

•  Off-duty 
•  Sleeper 
•  Driving   
•  On-duty but not driving

By keeping track of these four statuses and ensuring that you're complying with the law, you can help ensure that you are alert when you are driving, which will ultimately help to improve your driving skills and make you a safer driver.

Contact Trukademy Today!

Did you know that Trukademy offers Drivers Logs courses? If you are interested in learning more or enrolling, contact us today.