Now that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) finally has a new confirmed Administrator at the helm in Derek Barrs, we thought it would be a good time to share some of STC’s thoughts on what opportunities exist for improvements in truck and bus safety, with the ultimate goal being to reduce large truck and bus related crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
First, we agree with many of the organizations that have supported his nomination. Administrator Barrs is an excellent selection to lead the Agency. His experience and demeanor will serve the country well in this role, and we wish him the best of luck.
Update and Modernize Safety Regulations
The regulatory process needs to be reengineered for the 21st century industry. They must keep pace with technological advancements and changing industry practices. FMCSA should periodically review and update safety rules and guidance. This also means purging regulations and guidance that are not relevant or result in crash reduction. The Agency also needs to streamline access to regulatory guidance and FAQs to make it more user-friendly.
Expand Use of Technology and Data Analytics
Leveraging advanced data analytics can help FMCSA identify trends, predict risks, and deploy resources more efficiently. Encouraging the adoption of telematics, onboard cameras, and real-time monitoring can provide valuable insights into driver behavior and vehicle performance, leading to proactive safety measures. FMCSA needs to update its information technology infrastructure for its own personnel and assist states to enable advanced analytics, minimize fraud, and enhance customer service.
Strengthen Enforcement and Compliance Programs
Improving the targeting of roadside inspections, audits, and compliance reviews on drivers and carriers with demonstrated compliance and safety problems will remove unsafe carriers and drivers from operating. FMCSA should continue to enhance and update its data-driven enforcement programs, such as the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) system, and ensure timely interventions and robust enforcement on high-risk operators. A large percentage of the motor carrier population (more than 94%) does not have an official Safety Rating from FMCSA. The Agency has a rulemaking on the Docket to potentially revise the Safety Fitness Determination process. This rulemaking should
consider re-envisioning the safety rating process such that every motor carrier receives a routine and periodic intervention. This rulemaking should consider re-envisioning the safety rating process such that each carrier receives a periodic intervention. Additionally, with the ever-increasing occurrences of Electronic Logging Device non-compliance, revocations and fraud, FMCSA needs to move forward with an ELD certification program that has strong teeth to it.
Reinvent the New Entrant Program
As new motor carriers enter the trucking industry in record numbers, more needs to be done to ensure they are prepared to operate safely on our roadways. Oftentimes, new motor carriers suffer from a lack of knowledge and minimal experience in motor carrier safety and compliance. Unfortunately, some new entrants are also getting into the business for the wrong reasons. The New Entrant Safety Assurance (NESA) program – as it is currently designed, resourced, and managed – has failed at fulfilling its original intent of setting carriers up for success. The NESA program is not enhancing safety, and it needs to be changed.
Continually evaluate and improve entry-level driver training requirements and promote ongoing education for commercial drivers to address human factors that contribute to crashes. FMCSA should collaborate with industry stakeholders to raise the quality of training programs nationwide. This includes a heavy focus on effective oversight and enforcement on Entry Level Driver Training providers.
There is also a need to address drivers who are not properly licensed and qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. The licensing standards and processes being administered through the states need close scrutiny and where gaps are identified, they need to be addressed. The court adjudication standards and processes also need to be evaluated and changed so drivers cited by enforcement for violations receive just penalties, and when warranted, are not permitted to continue to drive a commercial vehicle.
Promote Safety Culture Within the Industry
Encouraging and promoting truck and bus companies to cultivate a strong safety culture can reduce risky behaviors and improve safety and compliance. FMCSA can and should provide incentives for carriers with exemplary safety records and support programs and technologies that recognize safe driving and management practices.
Improve and Expand Research, Public Awareness and Outreach
FMCSA should expand its research portfolio to support its regulatory, policy enforcement and education efforts. These efforts should include stronger programs focused on educating the public about sharing the road safely with large trucks and buses. Outreach and enforcement campaigns targeting passenger vehicle drivers will reduce unsafe interactions and improve overall road safety. The Crash Causal Factors Program needs to be accelerated and become a routine part of FMCSA’s operations and should drive policy, regulation, research, education, and enforcement decisions. These efforts need to be coordinated more effectively across all the DOT modal agencies.
Leverage Industry for the Good
FMCSA and the states will never have enough resources to oversee the large and diverse commercial vehicle industry. The industry has voluntarily adopted many safety technologies and management practices that go above and beyond what is required by regulation. FMCSA cannot just regulate and enforce its way to safety improvements. By engaging the industry more directly in promoting and collaborating on proven programs and actions that improve safety, FMCSA can help to convince more carriers to view safety and compliance as an investment, and not just a cost. Those drivers and carriers who choose not to drink this Kool-Aid will become more of a target for enforcement, and it will raise up the entire industry.
Address Emerging Issues
FMCSA must stay vigilant about new and growing safety challenges, such as fraud, distracted driving, substance abuse, and the impact of automation and autonomous vehicles. Additionally, protecting vulnerable road users—like pedestrians and cyclists—when interacting with large commercial vehicles, and work zone crashes are becoming more prevalent safety concerns. Improving its capacity for data analysis will help the Agency stay ahead of the curve to address emerging trends before they become a larger problem.
Improving truck and bus safety requires a multifaceted approach that combines effective regulation, oversight, enforcement, technology adoption, education, and collaboration with industry and the public. By implementing these recommendations, FMCSA can make significant strides toward safer roads for everyone.