Michigan troopers to send electronic messages directly to truckers through ELDs

The Michigan State Police (MSP) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) announced a new safety initiative that involves sending electronic messages directly to truckers using existing Electronic Logging Devices (ELD).

On August 28, 2024, officials announced that MSP motor carrier officers can now send short geo-targeted messages directly to ELD devices in order to alert commercial vehicle drivers to roadway hazards or enforcement operations.

Troopers say that the messages will appear “in large letters on a bright yellow background on the driver’s dash-mounted ELD.”

The law enforcement ELD messaging service is already in use in several other states.

MSP said that as additional part of this safety initiative, they plan to increase patrols to crack down driver behavior leading to commercial vehicle crashes. MSP motor carrier officers will be on the lookout for violations including speeding, following too closely, improper lane changes, reckless or careless driving, and texting/hand-held use of a phone while driving.

“Safer commercial drivers make for safer roadways for all roadway users,” said Motor Carrier Inspector Patrick Morris of MSP/CVED. “Coupled with continued education and enforcement, digital messaging direct to commercial drivers is another way our motor carrier officers are working to increase traffic safety and reduce traffic crashes and injuries on Michigan roads.”

“In the future, we plan to use this messaging tool before heavy driving holidays or when there are particular driving hazards we would like drivers to be aware of,” said Morris.