| Does
the Federal Government Regulate Large Trucks?
Yes.
On January 1, 2000, Congress established the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration (FMCSA), within the U.S. Department of
Transportation. This organization was formerly the Federal Highway
Administration Office of Motor Carriers. Its primary mission
is to "reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving
large trucks and buses." As part of this mission, FMCSA
develops and enforces regulations designed to strike a balance
between safety and industry efficiency.
Some of the key programs of the FMCSA include developing
and maintaining the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
These regulations establish safe operating requirements for
commercial truck drivers, their vehicles and their equipment.
The FMCSA also enforces rules and regulations on transportation
of hazardous materials over our interstate highways. These
rules govern operational requirements, classification of hazardous
materials and proper packaging of such materials.
One of the main regulations developed by FMCSA is the Hours
of Service Regulations. (HOS). These regulations place specific
limits on the number of hours that a truck driver can drive
his truck without a break. Prior to the formation of FMCSA,
the HOS rules had not been changed in more than 60 years.
FMCSA also oversees compliance with the commercial driver
license standards for drivers, carriers, and States. These
regulations require that drivers pass written and driving
tests.
FMCSA also provides educational programs for safety, including
messages aimed at passenger car drivers and pedestrians. FMCSA's
research and technology work is designed to develop new and
safer methods of truck and bus safety.
FMCSA also works with States to develop and implement local
safety rules. One such program, Performance & Registration
Information Systems Management (PRISM), links federal motor
carrier safety records with the State's vehicle registration
system. Safety performance is continuously monitored. Carriers
which are prohibited from operating in interstate commerce
may be denied the ability to register their vehicles. |
