THE PROS OF A MANDATORY BLACK BOX
Rigid enforcement of these laws would "level the playing field." The owner-operator or carrier that consistently violates them would be forced out of business. Safety-conscious owner-operators and carriers would not be faced with unfair competition. Such law enforcement would reduce the number of accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel or driver fatigue.
A study conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board showed that driver fatigue played a far greater role in heavy vehicle truck accidents than drugs or alcohol. Another study by the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association states, "Other studies report that falling asleep behind the wheel may account for 15 to 20 percent of all freeway accidents and up to half of fatal freeway accidents involving heavy trucks."
Lowering vehicle speeds reduces the seriousness of accidents and allows more time for drivers to take evasive action when confronted with an accident-producing situation. Lowering speeds cuts down on tailgating.
Evening out the playing field would reduce the current cutthroat competition, increasing freight rates. Any reduction in speed and engine idling would save on fuel bills, increase tire mileage and increase powertrain life. Reductions in speed and tailgating would improve trucking's public image. Last, but not least, it should result in a vast reduction in liability and collision insurance premiums.
Initially, vehicle productivity would suffer if trucks were restricted to 600 miles in one day or to 10 hours of operation, but in the long run, productivity may turn out to be the biggest advantage of the black box. A safer track record on accidents and a better public image could lead to increased size and weight laws, or even allow triples and turnpike doubles to run the Interstates nationwide.