Federal safety regulators are preparing surveys to learn whether or not electronic onboard recorders might be used to harass drivers. The surveys of drivers and carriers are part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's preparation for a proposed new EOBR rule, due next July.


In an announcement in yesterday's Federal Register, the agency explained that the survey is in response to a court order that it be sure to address the risk of harassment in its proposed rule.

In August 2011, a federal appeals court tossed out an earlier version of the EOBR rule, saying it did not do enough to prevent harassment. This was in response to a suit filed by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

"The surveys will broadly examine the issue, and look for specific countermeasures or best practices to prevent harassment," the agency said.

The agency expects to reach 1,039 carriers and drivers in combinations of personal in-depth interviews, Web-based interviews and telephone interviews.