In early December, Republican lawmakers were successful in preventing the advancement of legislation that was intended to keep exhausted truck drivers off the roads. West Virginia motorists should know that there will be even more attempts to roll back safety rules for truckers. The American Trucking Associations, which has stated its intent to try to block state regulations that will mandate more rest breaks for truckers beyond those required by federal statutes, believes that there should be one nationwide rule governing work hours for interstate truck drivers.
The reversal of safety rules for truckers
CVSA report: Citations given to truck drivers declined in 2016
Since 2007, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has sponsored a week-long event aimed at reducing the number of roadway accidents involving commercial trucks. During Operation Safe Driver Week 2016, which was held in October, truck drivers received more than 11,000 citations or warnings for unsafe driving behavior. After collecting data from about 3,000 law enforcement officials in West Virginia and throughout the U.S. and parts of Canada, the CVSA found that moving violations and speeding were the most common citations given to truck drivers.
Changes in regulations, technology ahead for trucking industry
Truck drivers in West Virginia may be looking at more flexible regulations regarding on-duty and drive-time hours when autonomous trucks become part of the industry, but the American Transportation Research Institute says that infrastructure must be upgraded before the vehicles can become a reality. This includes better signage, smoother highways and devices for communication between highways and vehicles, and the organization believes that the costs should be borne by government rather than by private industry.
Brake violations during week of inspections
West Virginia motorists who are concerned about highway safety may want to know about the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Brake Safety Week that was held in mid-September around the country. More than 2,300 trucks received brake violations and were placed out of service while almost 2,700 trucks were removed from the road for violations not related to brake systems. According to a representative of the CVSA, Brake Safety Week was implemented to stress to motor carriers and drivers the importance of brake health and safety. The non-profit organization conducted a broader inspection in June. In that event, nearly half of the out-of-service orders related to faulty brakes.
Marijuana still prohibited for truckers
West Virginia residents should know that although an additional four states voted during the November elections to legalize marijuana, the U.S. Department of Transportation will still prohibit use of the drug for truck drivers as long as it is classified as a Schedule I drug. According to the a representative of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, before the DOT can make any amendments to the regulations regarding drug testing for truckers, the changes would have to be initiated by the White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy.
ELD rule upheld in appeals court
West Virginia truck drivers may want to know that the U.S. Court of Appeals has upheld a federal mandate that requires most truck operators to use electronic logging devices to keep track of hours of service status. The mandate will become effective on Dec. 18, 2017, and truckers who are currently required to use paper logs are required to transition to ELDs by that date. Exempt from the requirement are pre-model year 2000 trucks.
Results of 2016 roadcheck event
The annual International Roadcheck event sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance took place in June in West Virginia and around the country. The nonprofit organization reports that 62,796 inspections were conducted, 42,236 of which were the comprehensive North American Standard Level I inspections.
NHTSA seeks comment on underride accident prevention
Some people are killed or seriously injured when their vehicles go underneath big trucks on West Virginia roadways. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering how to make commercial trucks safer so that cars do not skid underneath them during accidents.
Sleep apnea screenings proposed for truckers
The government sought public opinion on a proposal to regulate the screening and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea among railroad workers and truck drivers before moving ahead with the rule. Truck drivers in West Virginia probably will not be surprised that opinions were mixed.
Commercial trucks may be forced to go slower
Commercial vehicle drivers in West Virginia and throughout the country may be subject to stricter laws regarding speeds. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are proposing a rule that would decrease the speed that such vehicles could actually travel.
