Black Boxes to Invade Trucks?

November 1, 2000

Another development resulting from the declining price of technology.

The National Transportation Safety Board is recommending that a device similar to the “black box” that is placed in airplanes is placed in commercial trucks. The purpose of this device would be to measure the speed, proper breaking, and other conditions surrounding trucking accidents. The device could also be used to monitor the actual number of hours that a truck driver drives in a period of time. Truck drivers currently keep a paper log that reflects whether they have exceeded their 10 out of 15 hours of driving time permitted, however, if the black box is implemented it will be able to track more accurately the number of hours.

There is some argument as to whether or not this watching a truck driver’s every action is too much invasion by the government. Additionally, there is some question as to whether the courtroom playing field is level if the opposing counsel is permitted to submit information from the black box which provides every detail about the truck driver and no evidence of such substance will be available for other vehicles.