Transportation

Washington – An estimated 32,850 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2013, a 2.1 percent decrease from 2012, according to a new projection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Washington – Aug. 23 will be the start date for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s previously announced decision to allow states to update certain roadside violation data for truck and bus drivers, the agency stated June 5.

Washington – More than 3.5 million drivers across 20 states ran red lights in 2013, according to a study from the National Coalition for Safer Roads.

Arlington, VA – The American Trucking Associations has applied for a two-year exemption from certain hours-of-service requirements for truck drivers who travel to and from oil and natural gas well sites.

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is extending to June 26 the comment period for its recent proposed rule on electronic logging devices for commercial buses and trucks.

Washington – The Federal Railroad Administration should no longer exempt commuter railroads from individual inspections of their most highly used tracks, the National Transportation Safety Board urged in a recommendation issued May 19.

Washington – Two senators from the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee are urging the the Department of Transportation to increase the safety resources it provides to short-line railroads – many of which feed shipments of volatile crude oil and other hazardous materials to larger railroads.

Washington – Beginning May 21, interstate truck and bus drivers must use only government-approved medical examiners to certify that they meet the physical fitness requirements for operating commercial vehicles.

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has released regulatory guidance for roadside inspectors on what information must be displayed on electronic logging devices that currently meet FMCSA regulations for tracking drivers’ hours-of-service compliance.

Washington – NIOSH has developed a new five-year research and prevention plan aimed at reducing work-related deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes – the leading cause of worker fatalities.