Transportation

Washington — A coalition of 10 aviation industry groups led by Airlines for America, a trade association of U.S. passenger and cargo carriers, is requesting that the Department of Justice “commit to the full and public prosecution of onboard acts of violence” by passengers against airline employees.

Washington — A proposal to “streamline and improve error-correction procedures, queries, and consent requirements” within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is among the anticipated agency actions listed on the Department of Transportation’s regulatory agenda for Spring 2021.

Tumwater, WA — Bus drivers who repeatedly open and close manually operated safety shields used as a COVID-19 prevention measure are experiencing symptoms of shoulder injuries, according to a new safety alert from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

Washington — A railway crew’s failure to operate within safe speed requirements and the Federal Railroad Administration’s interpretation of a safety regulation were factors in a fatal collision between a BNSF intermodal train and a work train in 2018, the National Transportation Safety Board has concluded.

Greenbelt, MD — Commercial motor vehicle inspectors throughout North America will perform announced and unannounced brake system inspections Aug. 22-28 during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Brake Safety Week.

Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration once again is extending temporary hours-of-service exemptions and other “regulatory relief” for commercial motor vehicle drivers transporting items intended to assist with COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts.

Washington — A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine study of the effects of LED roadway lighting on driver alertness and sleep health has found that, despite concerns, LED lighting is no worse than another common type of roadway lighting.

Washington — Prompted by a reported cyberattack that has resulted in a disruption of service along a major petroleum pipeline, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on May 9 issued a temporary hours-of-service exemption to commercial motor vehicle operators transporting gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other refined petroleum products to 17 states and the District of Columbia, as part of emergency relief efforts.

Greenbelt, MD — Law enforcement officers will target speeding and other unsafe driving behaviors during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Operation Safe Driver Week, slated for July 11-17.