Truck Safety Coalition Demands New Action by Government


 A common theme of many who focus their attention on the commercial trucking industry is that of safety. To be sure, the multi-ton truck many may see bearing down in their rear mirror, as well as certain sensationalized media stories about accidents, gives some reason for these concerns.

A Partially Known Story

To be sure, even one vehicle crash can be a tragic event, and the goal of total safety should be a consistent one actively pursued. However, it is important to put numbers and statistics in context. Just as one airline crash gains a great deal of attention, commercial flying still remains one of the safest modes of transportation.

Likewise, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that a total of 4,998 large trucks and buses were involved in some type of accident in 2020. These statistics also show that the number of fatalities from these crashes, especially when compared to the total Vehicle Miles Travelled, have periodic trends of decreases and increases. In the main, however, the nation’s highways and roads are safer than they have ever been.

As we have covered here in several posts, there is a renewed focus on the issue of trucker safety. One of the most active and visible truck safety advocacy groups is making 2023 a time of aggressive efforts. The Truck Safety Coalition sent a letter on March 14 to the Department of Transportation raising several concerns and making a list of demands.

The letter used recent news, such as an 18-wheeler crash in Phoenix in February, to push for action to make truck safety standards more comprehensive. As quoted, the TSC stated, “It is past time to issue essential and overdue truck safety standards that will prevent hazmat crashes, save lives, protect communities, and put public safety ahead of corporate profits.”

With this premise, the group recommended DOT and Secretary Buttigieg take under consideration for immediate action items such as:

  • Mandated speed limiters for all commercial vehicles. Ignoring the various pros and cons of the use of speed limiters, TSC stated that the DOT should immediately demand the installation of this technology on all commercial vehicles. Moreover, they call for the top speed allowed to be no greater than 60 mph. The group noted that such limiters are currently required in many countries worldwide, including Canada.
  • Requiring Carrier Proficiency Exams for new market entrants. The group notes that Congress mandated such an exam for new trucking carriers more than 17 years ago, with no definitive action taken to date. In making this point, the TSC letter noted that "new motor carriers still do not have to prove to FMCSA that they know anything about the federal safety standards to participate in interstate commerce. This is also true for carriers seeking to haul hazardous materials, which is terrifying. New carriers need only sign a form stating that they are familiar with FMCSA safety requirements. In addition, entry-level drivers who are learning to properly transport hazardous materials are not required to accumulate a minimum number of behind-the-wheel (BTW) training hours.” Their call is for a comprehensive New Entrant Carrier Exam to be immediately enacted.
  • Require Automatic Emergency Braking on all commercial vehicles. Claiming that experience in the European Union and research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that AEB combined with forward collision warning technology, “… is a well-known, well-researched, and well-performing technology to prevent truck crashes.” The letter also points out that the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act mandated rulemaking on this issue and calls for action to meet the current imposed by the law of November 2023.
  • Rigorous review and updating of Hours-of-Service and Obstructive Sleep Apnea rules. Of significant concern to most truckers and trucking firms, the TSC directly challenges existing exemptions and rules for all HOS issues, especially for short-haul drivers. The letter urges DOT, “…restore the 2011 rule immediately and require a 30-minute rest break after eight hours of driving that does not allow non-driving work. Additionally, DOT should reinstitute the rulemaking requiring screening and treatment of safety-sensitive personnel for obstructive sleep apnea…”.

While there has not been a response to the letter by DOT or FMSCA, this letter is just one additional volley in new and growing calls for additional trucking regulations. 

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