Why is it important to keep a detailed log of driving hours?

Keeping a detailed log of driving hours is vital for ensuring compliance with hours of service regulations. These regulations are established to promote safety and prevent fatigue among commercial drivers by limiting the number of hours they can drive without taking a break. By maintaining accurate logs, drivers can demonstrate that they are adhering to these regulations, which helps reduce the risk of accidents caused by tiredness and maintains the overall health of the transportation industry.

The other options may seem relevant at first glance but do not highlight the primary importance of maintaining a driving log. For instance, avoiding inspections by law enforcement is not a legitimate reason; logs are meant to provide transparency and accountability. Discounts on fuel may be a benefit of good record-keeping but are not a reason to keep logs. Additionally, tracking personal travel preferences is unrelated to the compliance aspect that is crucial for commercial driving.