Reforming federal hours-of-service regulations tops American Trucking Associations’ safety agenda for 1999, according to ATA President Walter B. McCormick Jr.
In a speech scheduled for delivery at a National Press Club lunch Feb. 26, McCormick also repeated calls for creation of a separate motor carrier administration within the Department of Transportation and for increased funding for state motor carrier inspections through the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program. Both proposals are supported by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.
McCormick has made replacing the existing hours-of-service regulations with rules based on the latest fatigue research his top policy priority since joining ATA in January 1998.
The 65-year-old rules generally limit the time truck drivers can spend behind the wheel to 10 hours. The Federal Highway Administration is developing revisions to the rules and is considering whether to negotiate new regulations with trucking and other affected parties. ATA supports science-based rules that allow drivers to get sufficient rest.
The association also is renewing its call for additional parking spaces at highway rest areas. A study conducted by the Trucking Research Institute of the ATA Foundation identified a shortage of 28,400 truck parking spaces.
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