According to speakers on a recent webcast presented by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and Fleet Owner, distractions that disrupt driving are often so random and responding to them almost voluntary that managing their number and training drivers to be more aware of them is the best method to boosting safety on the road. Even in testing, drivers showed no Continue Reading

A new capability added to GPS Insight tracking solutions helps identify reckless driving patterns among drivers. The enhanced Speeding Report lets management know where drivers are driving too fast or slow relative to the actual or most likely posted speed limit. In addition to the new reporting capability, speed graphs and histograms also help Continue Reading

As was expected, the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) made it official. Effective Jan. 26, the organizations will enforce a ban on texting or the use of other “handheld” wireless electronic devices brought into a commercial vehicle. Violators are subject to fines of up to $2,750 per occurrence. The ban doesn’t apply to all in-cab technologies, however, provided that Continue Reading

A new truck seat design from Bose Corp. helps reduce whole-body vibration by sensing, analyzing and counteracting the forces from the road using proprietary technologies and components. The company’s Bose Ride system replaces a conventional air-ride truck seat with a suspension base and an integrated custom-designed seat top that protects Continue Reading

Citing public safety for both tourists and truckers alike, Virginia plan to reopen 19 safety rest areas and welcome centers, reversing a 2009 decision to cut the number by nearly half, from 42 to 23. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) applauded the move, which will help prevent driver fatigue and provide safe, secure parking spaces for truck drivers to comply Continue Reading

Though the current hours-of-service (HOS) rules are in part being praised for the declining truck-involved fatality rate, some drivers and lobbying groups contend more flexibility is needed in the sleeper berth provision. Some drivers suggest splitting the 10-hour stoppage rule as a way of flexing their rest schedules. The FMCSA has been Continue Reading

Truck-involved fatalities and truck-involved crashes both dropped in 2008, according to data released by the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Fatalities dropped to a record-low 12.3 percent, the lowest figure since 1975, when records started being kept. The figures were calculated based on data from both the Federal Highway Administration and Continue Reading

Nearly 200 bills are pending in state and local legislatures to ban emailing or texting while driving. Currently 19 states have already cracked down on the distracting habit, while 23 other states are debating the issue, which is blamed for 16 percent of all highway fatalities. It is likely that all states will enforce the ban, since federal legislation has been Continue Reading

Technology may have stopped distracted driving in its tracks. As concerns have grown over the use of cell phones or diversion from the road caused by texting, many states have called for bans on the use of cell phones and other wireless communication devices. However, a number of motion-tracking technologies are Continue Reading

The driver pre-employment screening program to be launched by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has gained support from carriers, but caused concern among driver advocate groups. Most agree that the process will boost safety on the roads, but its ambiguity over how the information will be used stops some organizations short from backing the program. Supporters claim that this step will reward Continue Reading