Trucking safety groups applaud new rule changes by the FMCSA

The organization Road Safe America (RSA) recently weighed in on the new regulations announced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They are pleased overall with the restrictions on the hours of service, but say that truck driving safety standards could use more laws to keep all motorists protected.

"We congratulate President Barack Obama, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro for making progress toward putting public safety ahead of industry concerns for efficiency," Steve Owings, president of the RSA, said in a statement. "However, it's vital that the FMCSA 'cross the goal line' by reducing the daily drive time to 10 hours from 11, as originally proposed some months ago."

Officials from the RSA likened truckers to airplane pilots and see that the nature of navigating highways to be even more hazardous. Some feel that if pilots are limited to 8 or 9 hours that truckers should be under the same rule, especially since drivers do not always have co-pilots or assistance.

Truckers who have recently completed their CDL training may want to keep up with the events unfolding over these rule changes in the industry, as they could directly affect their new career.

Trucking safety groups applaud new rule changes by the FMCSA

Friday, December 30th, 2011