Thursday, April 2, 2015
FMCSA Announces New CSA Smartphone App
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Are you prepared for Roadcheck 2015?
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) sponsors International Roadcheck with participation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (Mexico).
International Roadcheck 2015 will take place on June 2-4, 2015
International Roadcheck is an annual three-day event when CVSA-certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement and educational initiatives targeted at various elements of motor carrier, vehicle, driver and cargo safety and security.
Since its inception in 1988, roadside inspections conducted during Roadcheck have numbered over 1.4 million, resulting in more than 318 lives saved and 5,840 injuries avoided. It also provides an opportunity to educate industry and the general public about the importance of safe commercial vehicle operations and the roadside inspection program.
Resources for Drivers:
Monday, February 23, 2015
$4 Million to be Spent on HOS Study
Monday, December 29, 2014
Changes to 34 Hour Restart in the Hours of Service
To read the official notice published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) visit: HOS Fed Reg Notice Dec 17 2014.pdf
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION [4910-EX-P]
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
49 CFR Part 395
Hours of Service of Drivers
AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: FMCSA suspends enforcement of certain sections of the Agency’s Hours of Service (HOS) rules as required by the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, enacted December 16, 2014. Specifically, FMCSA suspends the requirements regarding the restart of a driver’s 60- or 70-hour limit that drivers were required to comply with beginning July 1, 2013. The restart provisions have no force or effect from the date of enactment of the Appropriations Act through the period of suspension, and such provisions are replaced with the previous restart provisions in effect on June 30, 2013. FMCSA provides this notice to motor carriers, commercial drivers, State Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program grant recipients and other law enforcement personnel of these immediate enforcement changes.
DATES: The suspension of enforcement of § 395.3(c) and (d) is effective as of 12:01 a.m. on December 16, 2014. Updated: Wednesday, December 17, 2014
For more information on the Hours of Service visit http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service
Thursday, September 18, 2014
FMCSA concerned about truck and bus drivers’ use of GPS navigation systems
Why is FMCSA concerned about truck and bus drivers’ use of GPS navigation systems?
FMCSA believes the information concerning commercial vehicles crashing into bridges suggests that some drivers may have used electronic navigation systems intended for passenger car drivers rather than truck and bus drivers. The Agency is working with its State partners and industry to make sure professional truck and bus drivers recognize the importance of using navigation systems intended for commercial vehicles. These navigation systems provide truck and bus drivers with important route restrictions, such as low bridge overpasses.
What tips is FMCSA providing for the safe use of GPS navigation systems?
- Select an electronic navigation system intended for use by truck and bus drivers
- Before drivers begin their trip, they should type in all relevant information about their vehicles so the system can provide the appropriate route
- Follow the route recommended by the navigation system, but ALWAYS obey traffic signs and advisories (such as low bridge overpasses, axle weight limits, detour signs, variable message signs, etc.)
- Do not engage in distracted driving! Avoid typing or entering addresses or information into the navigation system while driving
- If your navigation system does not provide automatic updates of the maps, be sure to obtain updates to ensure you are following the most current route planning information
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety
Saving Lives
One of the initiatives the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is undertaking to save lives on the Nation's highways is to intensify our focus on highway-rail grade crossing safety. FMCSAhas launched a nationwide educational campaign to remind commercial motor vehicle drivers of the precautions they must take at highway-rail grade crossings.
Highway-Rail Grade Crossings
A highway-rail grade crossing is an intersection where a roadway crosses railroad tracks at the same level or grade. Such crossings may be encountered on both public and private roads. There are more than 250,000 such crossings in the U.S.
Although the highway safety picture has improved considerably over the last decade, people are killed every year and more than are injured at grade crossings. Of the more than highway-rail grade crossing incidents annually, around 500 involve trucks or tractor-trailers. This translates to an average of about 10 per week. Although collisions involving buses at grade crossings are infrequent, results of such incidents can be tragic.
Safety Information
This Web site provides a compendium of highway-rail grade crossing safety information for drivers, motor carriers, and users of commercial motor vehicles. It is a "one stop shop" for readers who want to learn more about the critical importance of rail grade crossing safety.
And, remember: When you see tracks, "Always Xpect a Train"!
Emergency Numbers
Safety Guidance
- Railroad Crossing Safety for Professional Drivers Video
- OLI e-learning Initiative
- Grade Crossing Safety: Responsible Agencies
7 Steps for Safety Brochure - Low-Clearance Rigs and Permitted Loads
Regulatory Information
Learn More
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Truck Driver CSA Points Driving Record
DataQ - Where Your CSA Points Driving Record is Available
What is DataQ?
How can commercial drivers obtain their driving history?
Drivers may obtain their commercial driving history in one of two ways:
- Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) Website to request a copy of your PSP report for a small fee. You will be able to access the downloadable report instantly, and it includes your driver information such as your FMCSA reportable crash and inspection history (http://www.psp.fmcsa.dot.gov/Pages/default.aspx).
- Visit the Freedom of Information Act Website to request a copy of your commercial driving history for free. The information will be mailed to you and includes your FMCSA reportable crash and inspection history (http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/foia/index.htm)
Sunday, July 20, 2014
No Texting Rule Fact Sheet
No Texting Rule Fact Sheet
Sunday, June 15, 2014
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
- Ensure that medical examiners understand fully the medical standards in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and related guidance and how they apply to CMV drivers
- Maintain ongoing competency of medical examiners through training, testing, certification and recertification
- Promote public confidence in the quality of the medical examinations of CMV drivers
- Ensure that the list of certified medical examiners is easily accessible
Monday, April 7, 2014
Mobile Phone Restrictions
Overview and Background
A new FMCSA rule restricts the use of all hand-held mobile devices by drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This rulemaking restricts a CMV driver from holding a mobile device to make a call, or dialing by pressing more than a single button. CMV drivers who use a mobile phone while driving can only use a hands-free phone located in close proximity.Research commissioned by FMCSA shows that the odds of being involved in a safety-critical event (e.g., crash, near-crash, unintentional lane deviation) are 6 times greater for CMV drivers who engage in dialing a mobile phone while driving than for those who do not. Dialing drivers took their eyes off the forward roadway for an average of 3.8 seconds. At 55 mph (or 80.7 feet per second), this equates to a driver traveling 306 feet, the approximate length of a football field, without looking at the roadway!
What is the definition of using a mobile telephone?
The use of a hand-held mobile telephone means:- Using at least one hand to hold a mobile phone to make a call;
- Dialing a mobile phone by pressing more than a single button; or
- Reaching for a mobile phone in a manner that requires a driver to maneuver so that he or she is no longer in a seated driving position, restrained by a seat belt.
What does this rule mean to drivers and carriers?
- Fines and Penalties - Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving a CMV can result in driver disqualification. Penalties can be up to $2,750 for drivers and up to $11,000 for employers who allow or require drivers to use a hand-held communications device while driving.
- Disqualification - Multiple violations of the prohibition of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving a CMV can result in a driver disqualification by FMCSA. Multiple violations of State laws prohibiting use of a mobile phone while driving a CMV is a serious traffic violation that could result in a disqualification by a State of drivers required to have a Commercial Drivers License.
- What are the risks? - Using a hand-held mobile phone is risky because it requires the driver to reach for and dial the phone to make a call. Reaching for a phone out of the driver’s immediate area is risky as well as dialing because these actions take the driver’s eyes off the roadway.
- The rule applies to drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle on a roadway, including moving forward or temporarily stationary because of traffic, traffic control devices, or other momentary delays.
- A mounted phone is acceptable as long as it is mounted close to the driver.
- Impact on Safety Measurement System (SMS) Results - Violations negatively impact SMS results, and they carry the maximum severity weight.
Compliance
Make sure the mobile telephone is within close enough proximity that it is operable while the driver is restrained by properly installed and adjusted seat belts.- Use an earpiece or the speaker phone function.
- Use voice-activated dialing.
- Use the hands-free feature. To comply, a driver must have his or her mobile telephone located where he or she is able to initiate, answer, or terminate a call by touching a single button. The driver must be in the seated driving position and properly restrained by a seat belt. Drivers are not in compliance if they unsafely reach for a mobile phone, even if they intend to use the hands-free function.
No Call, No Text, No Ticket!
Friday, February 21, 2014
Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
View PDF full version
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Spotlight on Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a problem all truck drivers should be concerned about. The trucking industry seems to be leaning towards making this a part of our DOT physical. The FMCSA has a lot of information on this subjects.
Below you will find a link to this information.
Staying awake means staying alive. Sleep apnea is a major contributor to daytime drowsiness—a condition that could prove deadly for commercial truck drivers and everyone sharing the road with them. It is a condition where, during sleep, a narrowing or closure of the upper airway causes repeated sleep disturbances leading to poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. Since excessive sleepiness can impact a driver’s ability to safely operate the commercial vehicle, it is important that drivers with sleep apnea are aware of the warning signs. Read More
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Collaborates with Transport Canada and Others to Launch Interactive Driver Fatigue Management Tool
New Resources Geared to Help Bus and Truck Drivers
Prevent Fatigue-Related Crashes
- Information on how to develop a corporate culture that facilitates reduced driver fatigue;
- Fatigue management education for drivers, drivers’ families, carrier executives and managers, shippers/receivers and dispatchers;
- Information on sleep disorders, screening and treatment;
- Driver and trip scheduling information; and,
- Information on Fatigue Management Technologies.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
July 2013 New Hours of Service Rules
Who Must Comply HOS Final Rule
Most drivers must follow the HOS Regulations if they drive a commercial motor vehicle, or CMV.
In general, a CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business and is involved in interstate commerce and fits any of these descriptions:
- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
- Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
- Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- A vehicle that is involved in Interstate or intrastate commerce and is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards is also considered a CMV
The Hours of Service of Drivers Final Rule [Download PDF Version] was published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2011. The effective date of the Final Rule is February 27, 2012, and the compliance date of selected provisions is July 1, 2013. The links below provide more details regarding the HOS Final Rule:
Summary of Changes of HOS Final Rule Published in December 2011
The table below [Download PDF Version] summarizes the differences between the prior HOS Rule and the new HOS Final Rule published in December 2011:
| PROVISION | PRIOR RULE | FINAL RULE - COMPLIANCE DATE JULY 1, 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Limitations on minimum "34-hour restarts" | None |
(1) Must include two periods between 1 a.m.-
5 a.m. home terminal time. (2) May only be used once per week. |
| Rest breaks | None except as limited by other rule provisions | May drive only if 8 hours or less have passed since end of driver's last off-duty period of at least 30 minutes. [HM 397.5 mandatory "in attendance" time may be included in break if no other duties performed] |
| PROVISION | PRIOR RULE | FINAL RULE - COMPLIANCE DATE FEBRUARY 27, 2012 |
| On-duty time | Includes any time in CMV except sleeper-berth. | Does not include any time resting in a parked vehicle (also applies to passenger-carrying drivers). In a moving property-carrying CMV, does not include up to 2 hours in passenger seat immediately before or after 8 consecutive hours in sleeper-berth. |
| Penalties | "Egregious" hours of service violations not specifically defined. | Driving (or allowing a driver to drive) more than 3 hours beyond the driving-time limit may be considered an egregious violation and subject to the maximum civil penalties. Also applies to passenger-carrying drivers. |
| Oilfield exemption | "Waiting time" for certain drivers at oilfields (which is off-duty but does extend 14-hour duty period) must be recorded and available to FMCSA, but no method or details are specified for the recordkeeping. | "Waiting time" for certain drivers at oilfields must be shown on logbook or electronic equivalent as off duty and identified by annotations in "remarks" or a separate line added to "grid." |
Summary of HOS Regulations
The following table [Download PDF Version] summarizes the HOS regulations for property-carrying and passenger-carrying CMV drivers.
| HOURS-OF-SERVICE RULES | |
|---|---|
| Property-Carrying CMV Drivers (Valid Until July 1, 2013) | Passenger-Carrying CMV Drivers |
| 11-Hour Driving Limit May drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. | 10-Hour Driving Limit May drive a maximum of 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty. |
| 14-Hour Limit May not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Off-duty time does not extend the 14-hour period. | 15-Hour On-Duty Limit May not drive after having been on duty for 15 hours, following 8 consecutive hours off duty. Off-duty time is not included in the 15-hour period. |
| 60/70-Hour On-Duty Limit May not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. A driver may restart a 7/8 consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty. | 60/70-Hour On-Duty Limit May not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. |
| Sleeper Berth Provision Drivers using the sleeper berth provision must take at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, plus a separate 2 consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth, off duty, or any combination of the two. | Sleeper Berth Provision Drivers using a sleeper berth must take at least 8 hours in the sleeper berth, and may split the sleeper-berth time into two periods provided neither is less than 2 hours. |
References
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/hos/index.htm
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