Story by: Alan Adler @ freightwaves I

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is working with the trucking industry to educate small fleets and owner-operators about advanced driver assistance systems that could reduce crashes and fatalities.

Ray Martinez, the agency administrator, announced the collaboration during remarks covering several areas on Oct. 5, at the American Trucking Association’s Management Conference and Exhibition in San Diego.

“There are real benefits here,” Martinez told FreightWaves after his address. “You’re kind of missing the boat if you don’t adopt it.”

Daimler Trucks North America, Volvo Trucks North America, and several suppliers offer partially automated safety features on their newest models.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is funding a two-year program to monitor the effectiveness of technologies such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.

Under-21 truckers

Martinez also promoted a pilot program allowing 18-to-20-year olds with military transportation background to qualify as interstate truck drivers. Those under 21 are allowed to drive big rigs intrastate but prohibited from crossing state borders.

“We believe these will be very safe drivers,” Martinez said, adding that he hopes to expand the pool of potential drivers by tapping military and National Guard reservists.

The ATA wants to address the shortage of long-haul, for-hire drivers by including non-military 18-to-20-year-olds who would need at least 400 hours of training. If passed, bills pending in both the U.S. House and Senate would make this possible. According to Adler’s article.

Story continues HERE 

Source and credits: freightwaves.com / Alan Adler  /  iTrucker  / Mario Pawlowski