Transportation

Wilkes-Barre, PA – A study from the McGowan School of Business at King’s College concluded that roughly 4 out of 5 college students read or sent texts while driving “at least sometimes,” despite the majority believing it is a risky behavior.

Washington – Beginning Nov. 1, Department of Transportation safety inspectors must follow new notification procedures when opening packages containing perishable hazardous materials that are deemed unsafe or non-compliant with safety regulations, according to a final rule from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Washington – A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration notice published Sept. 26 proposes to expand the agency’s definition of what constitutes a “tank vehicle” by incorporating guidance released in 2012.

New York – A new study from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health concluded that drivers who test positive for drugs were 3 times as likely as those who test negative to be involved in a fatal crash.

Arlington, VA – Truck drivers and carriers can participate in a confidential survey to discuss how new hours-of-service regulations have affected their operations.

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Oct. 1 issued an omnibus final rule that formally adopts a variety of regulatory provisions mandated by MAP-21, a 2012 surface transportation funding bill.

Arlington, VA – The National Sleep Foundation, which advocates research and treatment of sleep disorders, has come out against a Senate bill (S. 1537) that could prevent or delay new requirements for mandatory screening of truck and bus drivers to detect obstructive sleep apnea.

Washington – Dog bites, falls and vehicle collisions were the leading causes of injuries among U.S. Postal Service employees in 2012, according to a Government Accountability Office report released Sept. 26.

Albany, NY – As part of ongoing efforts to combat distracted driving, New York state has established “texting zones” on major highways for motorists to park and use their cell phone.

Washington – Cutting the budgets of government safety agencies could lead to more unsafe workplaces, more injuries and higher costs for businesses, according to a new report from the Center for Effective Government.