Trucking industry responds to DOT's proposed driver safety regulations

Last week, the Department of Transportation (DOT) rolled out a series of new proposals that are intended to ensure the safety of truck drivers, who typically work long hours. Now, members of the affected industry are releasing their remarks on these suggestions.

In a recent statement, the American Trucking Administration (ATA) expressed its belief that these new provisions are unnecessary. The organization suggests that the current rules have already resulted in a safer working environment for truckers.

Since new hours of service regulations were implemented in 2004, the number of crash-related fatalities has decreased by 33 percent. In addition, death and injury figures are the lowest in the DOT's accounted history, according to the ATA.

Bill Graves, president and CEO of the ATA, believes that the DOT's proposals could "substantially reduce trucking’s productivity" if they are enacted.

Safety directors who wish to ensure that their drivers are in compliance with all measures - new and old - may benefit from enrolling their employees in online driver training courses. These classes could enable fleets to maintain a healthy level of productivity, no matter what legislative changes they face. 

Trucking industry responds to DOT's proposed driver safety regulations

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010