The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator (FMCSA), an agency in the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), recently announced the launch of a new panel composed of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to its Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC). The composition of the new panel will allow FMCSA to receive direct feedback on issues of importance to the CMV driving community, including safety, training, parking, driver experience, and hours-of-service regulations.
“Truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators are American heroes who have stepped up during the current public health emergency to keep our economy moving,” said United States Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao. “Their input is essential to strengthening safety on the roads.”
The new panel will consist of 20 to 25 CMV drivers from all parts of the trucking industry, such as traditional truck drivers, tractor-trailer drivers, motor coach drivers, drivers carrying hazardous materials, agriculture haulers, and more. FMCSA hopes that the recommendations of the new driver panel will reflect the varied spectrum of experiences and viewpoints found in the CMV community.
“The Department of Transportation and this Administration believe in listening to our drivers and hearing their concerns directly,” said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Wiley Deck. “We know that many of the solutions to the challenges we face don’t come from Washington – they come from the hard-working men and women who are behind the wheel all over our nation. This new subcommittee to MCSAC will further help us hear from America’s commercial drivers.”
The Trump administration has encouraged FMCSA to listen to the opinions of commercial drivers and incorporate their ideas into the safety initiatives promoted by the agency. However, it is crucial that FCMSA not allow the current administration to pursue its anti-regulation, pro-business agenda at the expense of the safety of American motorists.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident with a commercial motor vehicle, please contact Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman for a free consultation. We will only receive a fee in the event of a successful resolution of your case.