Why It’s Time to Pump the Brakes on Truck Mandates

Federal regulators, researchers and state enforcement agencies are examining several issues affecting the trucking industry, including automatic emergency braking performance, hours-of-service requirements and commercial vehicle safety inspections. The developments come as agencies and industry groups continue working on truck safety standards and roadway awareness.

NHTSA Examines False AEB Activations

Drivers have raised concerns that a truck equipped with automatic emergency braking could unexpectedly slow or stop even when no immediate hazard is present. Those concerns were examined in an investigation launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration during the period between the issuance of an AEB mandate and publication of the agency’s proposed rule.

The investigation focused on false activations of automatic emergency braking systems in heavy trucks. Unintended braking events can create operational and safety concerns for commercial drivers, particularly when a tractor-trailer is traveling at highway speeds or carrying a heavy load.

NHTSA is also behind schedule on several truck-safety regulations. However, the timing of a rule is only one factor in evaluating its effectiveness, and the agency’s work on AEB systems remains focused on performance and reliability.

ATRI Seeks Input on HOS and ELD Requirements

The American Transportation Research Institute has launched a research survey examining the effects of hours-of-service rules and electronic logging device mandates.

The survey is intended to gather industry feedback on how the requirements affect drivers, motor carriers and daily operations. The findings could provide additional insight into compliance challenges and the operational impact of federal hours-of-service regulations.

Commercial Vehicle Inspections Target Southeastern Corridors

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and state law enforcement agencies conducted 552 inspections focused on commercial vehicle safety along freight corridors in the Southeast.

Inspections conducted through federal and state partnerships typically review areas such as vehicle condition, driver credentials, operating compliance and other requirements established under commercial motor carrier safety regulations. The agencies did not provide additional details in the available material regarding violations or enforcement actions resulting from the inspections.

Safety Campaign Promotes Truck and Bus Awareness

New campaign materials are available to help drivers safely share the road with large trucks and buses. The materials include safety messages, graphics and other resources intended for public distribution.

Roadway-awareness campaigns commonly focus on the differences between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks, including braking distance, blind spots, turning space and the importance of allowing heavy vehicles sufficient room to maneuver.