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WASHINGTON — The Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) is calling for immediate action to advance critical truck safety reforms following the recent release of the “Deadliest Truck Crash States” report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The report ranks states on truck crash fatalities per 100,000 population for 2021, the most recent year for which data is available. The “deadliest dozen” states, in order, are: New Mexico, Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Alabama, Louisiana, Nebraska, Kentucky, South Carolina and Texas. The report data was generated by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis at NHTSA. “The findings in this report are deeply concerning. New Mexico truckers and drivers should be able to travel our state without worry or fear,” said Sen. Ben Ray Luján, a Democrat from New Mexico. “That is why I remain committed to pushing the Department of Transportation to take action to prevent needless deaths and keep our roadways safe. This is a moment of national crisis as we continue to lose tens and thousands of lives to traffic fatalities each year, and it is time for our leaders to step up and commit to putting an end to these preventable tragedies.” The report provides insights into one of the worst years for truck crash deaths in modern history. NHTSA reports that large truck fatalities surged in 2021, passing 5,700 deaths. In addition, there were more than 155,000 injuries. Since 2009, truck crash deaths have increased by 71%. “Truck crash deaths have continued to rise over the last 10 years, demonstrating the need for safety reforms,” said Democratic Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington, D.C., who sits on the Highways and Transit Subcommittee and is its ranking member. “Safety was my first priority when working on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, including mandating automatic emergency braking, stronger standards for rear underride guards, and increased funding for safety programs, among other provisions. We can and must do more to reverse the rise in truck-related injuries and fatalities.” TSC officials contend that more action is needed to combat this deadly rise in crashes. “Unfortunately, some lawmakers representing constituents in the deadliest states are endorsing unsafe policies that will lead to even more deadly crashes,” a TSC news release stated. “One such example is banning the use of speed limiters in Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs), a measure that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety (FMCSA)  estimates can help prevent or reduce the severity of 20% of all fatal crashes.” Linda Wilburn, Oklahoma resident and TSC Board member, laments the current situation, saying, “My son was incinerated when he was struck by a speeding semi that failed to stop traveling 75 miles an hour. My husband, Gary was a firefighter and did not even recognize his own son’s vehicle as he put out the blaze. It is a slap in the face to see Okies in Congress support speeding semis over human life.” The TSC is calling on Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) “to aggressively pursue commonsense solutions” to reduce truck crash violence on the nation’s roads by: Expeditiously finalizing Automatic Emergency Braking rule for all classes of CMVs. Expeditiously completing the speed limiter rule for CMVs. Requiring DOT/NHTSA to conduct side underride guard impact testing. Funding DOT to conduct its work without unsafe riders that prohibit FMCSA from implementing specific safety provisions for teen truckers in the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program. Expeditiously requiring new motor carriers to pass a knowledge exam proving that they know and can implement Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations required to safely operate a motor carrier business, including those hauling hazardous materials. Currently, DOT allows anyone to operate in interstate commerce who files appropriate paperwork without requiring any evidence they know the rules to keep truck drivers and all roadway users safe. Zach Cahalan, TSC executive director, said decision-makers must act now. “People can and should expect their government to keep them safe from the carnage large trucks cause on our roads and highways,” he said. “It is time for Congress and DOT to fulfill this expectation without reservation.”

BISMARCK, N.D. — Nearly a foot of snow buried parts of North Dakota on Oct. 26 as the region’s first wintry weather of the season swept through the Rockies and into the northern Plains, slowing travel and frustrating some farmers who still have crops left to harvest. The storm dumped as much as 12 inches of snow south of Dickinson, according to the National Weather Service. Eleven inches of snow fell near Stanley, North Dakota, in the state’s northwest corner, and other areas saw up to 8 inches, said Matt Johnson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Bismarck. “Well, it is definitely winter,” said Karolin Jappe, the emergency manager for McKenzie County. Now that winter weather here is — at least in parts of the country — following is a guide to state chain laws. Alabama The use of tire chains shall be permitted upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, rain, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to slide or skid. Alaska Drivers are not permitted to use chains from May 1 through Sept. 15 when north of 60 North Latitude. Drivers are not permitted to use chains from April 15 through Sept. 30 when south of 60 North Latitude. If drivers are operating a vehicle on Sterling Highway, they are not permitted to use chains from May 1 through Sept. 15. Drivers will need to obtain a special permit from the Department of Administration if they would like to use chains in one of these prohibited zones. Arizona The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Arkansas The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. California California does not require trucks to carry chains during any specified time period. When the weather hits, though, it takes at least eight chains for a standard tractor-trailer configuration to comply with the regulations. During the winter months, there might be traction chain controls in the mountain areas. When these are established, drivers will see signs posted along the highway. These signs will also include the type of requirement, which will include one of the following: R1 – Chains, traction devices or snow tires are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles. R2 – Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. R3 – Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions. Colorado From Sept. 1 through May 31, all trucks must carry sufficient chains on Interstate 70 when traveling between mile marker 259 outside Golden and mile marker 133 in Dotsero. If drivers get stopped and do not have chains on their trucks, the fine is $50 plus a surcharge of $16. If drivers do not put chains on their trucks when the law is in effect, the fine is $500 plus a $78 surcharge. If they do not put chains on and they end up blocking the highway, then the fine will increase to $1,000 plus a $156 surcharge. Colorado has two different types of chain laws: Level 1 — Single-axle combination commercial vehicles must chain up. Trucks must have all four drive tires in chains. When level 1 is in effect, all other commercial vehicles must have snow tires or chains. Level 2 — When level 2 is in effect, all commercial vehicles are required to chain up the four drive tires. Connecticut Chains are permitted during hazardous weather from Nov. 15 through April 30. The chains can not be damaging to the highway’s surface. Delaware Drivers are permitted to use chains on highways from Oct. 15 through April 15. Georgia At any time the Georgia Department of Transportation may close or limit access to certain highways during inclement weather. If this occurs, signage will be placed to inform drivers that chains are required in order to proceed. For commercial vehicles, chains must be placed on the outermost drive tires. Idaho Officials with the Idaho Department of Transportation can determine that it is unsafe to drive over Lookout Pass and Fourth of July Pass on Interstate 90, and Lolo Pass on Highway 12. If it is deemed unsafe, then drivers will be required to chain up a minimum of one tire on each drive axle and one axle at or near the rear. Illinois The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Indiana The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Iowa The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Kansas The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Kentucky No person shall use on a highway not covered with ice a vehicle with a chained wheel unless the wheel rests upon an ice-shoe at least 6 inches wide. When chains are used on rubber-tired vehicles, the cross chains shall be not more than three-fourths of an inch in thickness or diameter and shall be spaced not more than ten inches apart, around the circumference of the tires. Louisiana The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Maine Vehicles cannot have tires with metal studs, wires, spikes or other metal protruding from the tire tread from May 1 through Oct. 1. Other than that the use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Maryland The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Massachusetts Massachusetts prohibits the use of studded tires and chains between May 1 and Nov. 1 without a permit. The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Michigan The use of chains is allowed for safety when snow, ice or other condition are present. If chains are used, they must not come in direct contact with the roads surface. Minnesota The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Mississippi The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Missouri No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any road or highway of this state between the first day of April and the first day of November while the motor vehicle is equipped with tires containing metal or carbide studs. The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Montana If the Montana Department of Transportation determines that highways are too dangerous for travel, they may establish the following recommendations on traction devices: Chains or other approved traction devices recommended for drive wheels. Chains or other approved traction devices required for drive wheels. Chains required for driver wheels. Nebraska The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Nevada It is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle, whether it is an emergency vehicle or otherwise, without traction devices, tire chains or snow tires upon any street or highway, under icy or snowy conditions, when the highway is marked or posted with signs for the requirement of traction devices, chains or snow tires. If a highway is marked or posted with signs requiring the use of traction devices, tire chains or snow tires, a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles must be equipped with: Traction devices, tire chains or snow tires if it has a gross weight or combined gross weight of 10,000 pounds or less. Tire chains if it has a gross weight or combined gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds. New Hampshire The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. New Jersey The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. New Mexico The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. New York The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. North Carolina The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. North Dakota North Dakota also allows metal studs within 1/16 inch beyond tread from Oct. 15 through April 15. The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Ohio The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Oklahoma The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Oregon Oregon’s law applies to all highways in the state. Signs will tell drivers when they are required to carry chains and when they are required to use them. Drivers will need to have six chains on hand to comply in Oregon. The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Pennsylvania The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Rhode Island The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. South Carolina The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. South Dakota The South Dakota DOT has the authority to restrict travel on roads. Signs will alert drivers to these restrictions. The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Tennessee The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Texas The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Utah When any designated highway is so restricted no vehicle shall be allowed or permitted the use of the highway, during the period between Oct. 1 and April 30, or when conditions warrant due to adverse, or hazardous weather or roadway conditions, as determined by the Utah Department of Transportation, unless: An operator of a commercial vehicle with four or more drive wheels, other than a bus, shall affix tire chains to at least four of the drive wheel tires. Vermont Vermont has a traffic committee that will decide if use of chains will be required. The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Vehicles with semitrailers or trailers that have a tandem-drive axle towing a trailer shall have chains: On two tires on each side of the primary drive axle, or if both axles of the vehicle are powered by the drive line, one tire on each side of each drive axle; and On one tire of the front axle and one tire on one of the rear axles of the trailer. Virginia The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Washington Any commercial vehicle over 10,000 pounds. Gross vehicle weight rating should carry chains from Nov. 1 to April 1 when driving on one of the following routes: Blewett Pass SR-97 between MP 145 and Milepost 185 Chinook Pass SR-410 Enumclaw (MP 25) to SR-12 (MP 342) Cle Elum to Teanaway SR-970 Cle Elum (MP 0) to Teanaway (MP 10) Gibbons Creek to intersection of Cliffs Road SR-14 Gibbons Creek (MP 18) to intersection of Cliffs Rd. (MP 108) Mt. Baker Highway (Ellensburg to Selah) SR-542 (MP22) to (MP 57) Interstate 82 from Ellensburg (MP 3) to Selah (MP 26) Newhalem to Winthrop SR-20 Newhalem (MP 120) to Winthrop (MP 192) Omak to Nespelem SR-155 Omak (MP 79) to Nespelem (MP 45) Satus Pass SR-97 Columbia River (MP 00) to Toppenish (MP 59) Sherman Pass SR-20 Tonasket (MP 262) to Kettle Falls (MP 342) Snoqualmie Pass Interstate 90 North Bend (MP 32) and Ellensburg (MP 101) Stevens Pass SR-2 Dryden (MP 108) to Index (MP 36) White Pass SR-12 Packwood (MP 135) to Naches (MP 187) West Virginia The use of chains is allowed for safety when snow, ice or other condition are present. If chains are used, they must not come in direct contact with the roads surface. Wisconsin The use of chains is allowed for safety when snow, ice or other condition are present. If chains are used, they must not come in direct contact with the roads surface. Wyoming When the chain law is in effect due to snow, ice or other conditions, travel on a highway may be restricted to use only by motor vehicles utilizing adequate snow tires or tire chains. There are two levels: Level 1: When conditions are hazardous, travel can be restricted to vehicles equipped with tire chains, vehicles with adequate snow tires or all-wheel-drive vehicles. Level 2: When conditions are extremely hazardous, travel can be restricted to vehicles equipped with tire chains or all-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with adequate mud and snow or all-weather-rated tires. The operator of a commercial vehicle shall affix tire chains to at least two of the drive wheels of the vehicle at opposite ends of the same drive axle when the vehicle is required to utilize tire chains under this subsection. Any driver that is in violation will face a fine of no more than $250. If the violation results in the closure of all lanes in one or both directions of a highway, the driver will face a fine of no more than $750.  

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation is accepting applications for two programs that will make approximately $160 million available annually for the next five years for projects that use technology to improve our transportation infrastructure and make communities safer. The first program is the new Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program. The SMART Grants Program is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden on Nov. 15, 2021. The program will offer up to $100 million in grants annually over the next five years and will fund projects that use data and technology, according to a news release. “As we undertake the most ambitious infrastructure investment in generations, thanks to the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can and must plan for the transportation needs of the future,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “From connected vehicles that make driving safer, to smart traffic signals that reduce congestion, to sensors to detect the quality of pavement to help prioritize repair, our SMART grants will fund technology that makes people’s lives better in communities across America.” The SMART program will fund purpose-driven innovation and focus on building data and technology capacity and expertise. The Program seeks proposals from public sector entities that will carry out demonstration projects in the following domains to address key transportation priorities: Vehicle technology, like automation and connectivity. Systems innovation, like delivery and logistics, traffic signals, smart grid, and data integration. And new ways to monitor and manage infrastructure, like sensors and UAS. “Achieving our transportation priorities related to safety, economic strength, equity, and climate requires bold investment in new technologies and approaches,” said Dr. Robert C. Hampshire, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology and Chief Science Officer at US DOT. “SMART supports a broad portfolio of projects across the country that will serve as beacons as we move toward a transportation system that is data-driven, values-based, and technology-enabled.” The second is the Federal Highway Administration’s $60 million Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) program to promote advanced technologies to improve safety and reduce travel times for drivers and transit riders and that can serve as national examples. As a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, ATTAIN-eligible projects will be evaluated on how they consider climate change and environmental justice impacts — including how they reduce transportation-related air pollution and address the disproportionate impacts on disadvantaged communities. In addition, projects are evaluated on their economic impact and potential to create jobs. “As we level the playing field and improve the travel experience for everyone, we need to promote the use of state-of-the-art technologies, and the ATTAIN program does just that,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack. “The Biden-Harris Administration has taken a program with a track record of delivering innovation through the use of advanced technologies and made it truly forward-looking by refocusing its goals to include promoting equity and tackling climate change, in addition to creating jobs and delivering positive economic impact.”

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — After several weeks of declines, average U.S. diesel prices are rising again. According to the Energy Information Administration, the average price for a gallon of diesel fuel sat at $4.545 on Oct. 23, that’s up from $4.444 on Oct. 16 and $4.498 on Oct. 9. Not everywhere in the nation saw increases, however. New England and the Central Atlantic region saw slight declines again. In New England, the average price sat at $4.551 as of Oct. 23, and in the Central Atlantic, it was $4.668 on Oct. 23. Prices also decreased along the West Coast to $5.468. That’s down from $5.528 on Oct. 16. Prices rose along the Gulf Coat to $4.186 on Oct. 23, and in the Midwest, the average price rose to $4.554 as of Oct. 23. Fifty years after the 1973 Arab oil embargo, the current crisis in the Middle East has the potential to disrupt global oil supplies and push prices higher. But don’t expect a repeat of the catastrophic price hikes and long lines at the gasoline pump, experts say. The Israel-Hamas war is “definitely not good news” for oil markets already stretched by cutbacks in oil production from Saudi Arabia and Russia and expected stronger demand from China, the head of the International Energy Agency said. Markets will remain volatile, and the conflict could push oil prices higher, “which is definitely bad news for inflation,” Fatih Birol, executive director of the Paris-based IEA, told The Associated Press. Developing countries that import oil and other fuels would be the most affected by higher prices, he said. International benchmark Brent crude closed at $93 a barrel on Oct. 20, up from $85 on Oct. 6, the day before Hamas attacked Israel, killing hundreds of civilians. Israel immediately launched airstrikes on Gaza, destroying entire neighborhoods and killing hundreds of Palestinian civilians in the days that have followed. Fluctuations since the attack pushed oil prices as high as $96. The price of oil depends on how much of it is getting used and how much is available. The latter is under threat because of the Hamas-Israel war, even though the Gaza Strip is not home to major crude production. One worry is that the fighting could lead to complications with Iran, home of some of the world’s largest oil reserves. Its crude production has been constrained by international sanctions, but oil is still flowing to China and other countries. “In order to get a sustained move (in prices), we really would need to see a supply disruption,” said Andrew Lipow, president at Lipow Oil Associates, a Houston-based consultant. Any damage to Iranian oil infrastructure from a military strike by Israel could send prices jumping globally. Even without that, a shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz that lies south of Iran could also shake the oil market because so much of the world’s supplies goes through the waterway. Until something like that happens, “the oil market is going to be like everyone else, monitoring the events in the Middle East,” Lipow said. One reason 1970s-style gas lines are unlikely: U.S. oil production is at an all-time high. The U.S. Energy Information Administration, an arm of the Energy Department, reported that American oil production in the first week of October hit 13.2 million barrels per day, passing the previous record set in 2020 by 100,000 barrels. Weekly domestic oil production has doubled from the first week in October 2012 to now. “The energy crisis of 1973 taught us many things, but in my mind, the most critical is that American energy strength is a tremendous source of security, prosperity and freedom around the world,” said Mike Sommers, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, the U.S. oil industry’s top lobbying group. In a speech on Oct. 18, marking the 50th anniversary of the 1973 oil embargo, Sommers said current U.S. production contrasts sharply with “America’s weakened position during the Arab oil embargo.” He urged U.S. policymakers to heed what he called the lessons of 1973. “We cannot squander our strategic advantage and retreat on energy leadership,” said Sommers, who has repeatedly criticized President Joe Biden’s policies restricting new oil leases as part of Biden’s efforts to slow global climate change. “With an unstable world, war in Europe, war in the Middle East, and energy demand outstripping supply, energy security is on the line,” Sommers said in a speech at the Hudson Institute, a Washington think tank. “American oil and gas are needed now more than ever,” Sommers said. “Let’s take to heart the lessons we learned from 1973 and avoid sowing the seeds of the next energy crisis.” For now, the crisis isn’t a repeat of 1973. Arab countries aren’t attacking Israel in unison, and OPEC+ nations have not moved to restrict supplies or boost prices beyond a few extra dollars. There are several wild cards in the energy market. One is the supply of Iranian oil. Eager to avoid a spike in gasoline prices and inflation, the U.S. has quietly tolerated some exports of Iranian oil to destinations such as China instead of going all in on sanctions aimed at Iran’s nuclear program. If Iran, which has warned Israel not to undertake a ground offensive, escalates the Gaza conflict — including a possible attack by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon supported by Iran — that might change the U.S. stance. “If the U.S. were then also to enforce the oil sanctions against Iran more strictly again, the oil market would tighten noticeably,” say commodities analysts at Commerzbank. A shake went through the oil market on Oct. 18 after Iran’s foreign minister called on Muslim nations to launch an oil embargo on Israel, but prices soon ebbed. U.S. lawmakers from both parties, meanwhile, have urged Biden to block Iranian oil sales, seeking to dry up one of the regime’s key sources of funding. Another wild card is how Saudi Arabia would respond if Iranian oil is restricted. Oil analysts say that while the Saudis may welcome recent oil price hikes, they don’t want a massive price spike that would fuel inflation, higher central bank interest rates and possible recession in oil-consuming countries that ultimately would limit or even kill off demand for oil. A third unknown is whether more oil will reach the market from Venezuela. The U.S. agreed on Oct. 18 to temporarily suspend some sanctions on the country’s oil, gas and gold sectors after Venezuela’s government and a faction of its opposition formally agreed to work together on election reforms. Venezuelan production could increase in 2024. In the next six months, however, production could ramp up by some 200,000 barrels a day, a relative drop in the ocean, according to Sofia Guidi Di Sante, senior oil market analyst at Rystad Energy. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the top Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, slammed the U.S. action as a “gimmick” that appeases a brutal regime in Venezuela. “Joe Biden’s energy policies put America last,” Barrasso said, citing the Democratic president’s decisions to kill the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline and sell off significant portions of the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve, taking it to its lowest level since the 1980s. The Energy Department said on Oct. 26 it will seek offers to start refilling the oil reserve in December, with monthly solicitations expected through May 2024. “He eased sanctions on Iran, which funds terrorism across the Middle East. Now with Israel under attack, Biden is desperate for anything to mask the consequences of his reckless policies,” Barrasso said. “America should never beg for oil from socialist dictators or terrorists.” The Treasury Department says it has targeted nearly 1,000 individuals and entities connected to terrorism and terrorist financing by the Iranian regime and its proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah and other groups in the region. “We will continue to take action as appropriate to counter Iran’s destabilizing activity in the region and around the world,” Treasury said in a statement. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON — Inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. conducted 18,875 commercial motor vehicle inspections Aug. 20-26 for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week. For the weeklong inspection and enforcement initiative, inspectors focused on the brake systems and components of commercial motor vehicles and submitted brake-related data to the alliance, according to a news release. Of the total vehicles inspected, 87.4% did not have any brake-related out-of-service violations. Commercial motor vehicles are placed out of service — meaning restricted from further travel — when an inspector identifies critical vehicle inspection item violations, as outlined in the CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. Of the 18,875 total commercial motor vehicles inspected, 2,375 (12.6%) were removed from roadways because inspectors discovered brake-related out-of-service violations. Some examples of brake-related out-of-service violations that automatically place the vehicle out of service include broken brake drums, loose air tanks, corroded holes in a spring brake housing, inoperative tractor protection valves, etc. Service brake violations, such as cracked linings, brake adjustment or loose chambers, may combine to put the combination of vehicles out of service under the 20% brake criterion. Certain service brake violations are automatically placed out of service when found on the steering axle. Of the 2,375 commercial motor vehicles that were placed out of service, 295 (12.4%) had steering axle brake violations, 1,127 (47.5%) had stand-alone brake violations and 1,394 (58.7%) failed the 20% defective brakes criterion, which states that a vehicle is out of service if the number of defective brakes is equal to or greater than 20% of the service brakes on the vehicle or combination. The focus area for this year’s Brake Safety Week was lining/pad violations. Throughout the week, and just as they do normally when inspecting the vehicle components of commercial motor vehicles, inspectors checked brake lining/pads for cracks, voids and contamination. They also looked for loose, missing or worn brake lining/pads. A total of 379 power (tractor) units and 261 towed (trailer) units had lining/pad violations. Although lining/pad violations are not necessarily out-of-service violations, CVSA selected lining/pads as the focus for this year’s Brake Safety Week because brake lining/pad violations still affect a motor carrier’s safety rating. If left unaddressed, brake lining/pad violations may lead to more serious problems and can be out-of-service violations if they are on the steering axle or combined with other brake violations for the 20% brake criterion. Fifty-six U.S. and Canadian states/provinces and territories and Mexico participated in this year’s Brake Safety Week. In Canada, 1,327 commercial motor vehicles were inspected. Ten percent (134) had brake-related out-of-service violations. Twenty-six power units and 25 towed units had lining/pad violations. Nine commercial motor vehicles were inspected in Mexico. One (11%) was placed out of service for brake-related violations. Lining/pad violations were identified on one power unit. In the U.S., of the 18,031 commercial motor vehicles inspected, 2,240 (12.4%) had brake-related out-of-service violations. There were lining/pad violations on 352 power units and 236 towed units. Eleven states with performance-based brake testers (PBBT) participated in this year’s Brake Safety Week by conducting inspections using their PBBTs. A PBBT is a machine that assesses the braking performance of a vehicle. Of the 397 PBBT inspections, there were 18 failures, which is a 4.5% out-of-service rate. Ninety-five vehicles passed with at least one wheel below the 43.5% threshold. U.S. federal regulations and the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria require a minimum braking efficiency of 43.5%. Brake Safety Week is part of the CVSA’s Operation Airbrake Program, a comprehensive program dedicated to improving commercial motor vehicle brake safety throughout North America. The goal is to reduce the number of crashes caused by faulty braking systems on commercial motor vehicles by conducting roadside inspections and educating drivers, mechanics, owner-operators and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation. Next year’s Brake Safety Week is scheduled for Aug. 25-31, 2024.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Average U.S. diesel fuel prices are continuing their downward trend. According to the Energy Information Administration, as of Oct. 16, the price sat at $4.444 across the nation. That’s down from $4.498 on Oct. 9 and $4.593 on Oct. 2. Even California, which always has the highest prices due to strict regulations, has seen declines in recent weeks — from $6.269 on Oct. 2 to $6.178 on Oct. 9 and $6.119 on Oct. 16. The lowest prices in the nation are along the Gulf Coast, where a gallon of diesel fuel, on average, costs $4.114 per gallon.

WASHINGTON — Trucking Cares Foundation (TCF), the trucking industry’s charitable arm, has donated $25,000 to Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending human trafficking. “Human trafficking is a horrific crime that thrives in the shadows. Transportation professionals are uniquely positioned to shine a light in every corner of every state to expose these crimes, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice,” said TCF Chairman Phil Byrd, president and CEO of Bulldog Hiway Express. “Truck drivers are naturally compassionate and vigilant, and Truckers Against Trafficking harnesses these skills to enable drivers to spot victims along their routes over the nation’s highways.  There are countless success stories of heroic truckers who have used their TAT training to save individuals who were being exploited.  With this donation, we are proud to support TAT’s lifesaving mission.” Human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states, and the number of victims in the United States is estimated in the hundreds of thousands. TAT is a nonprofit organization that educates, equips, empowers, and mobilizes members of the transportation industry to combat human trafficking.  TAT also partners with law enforcement and government agencies to facilitate the investigation of human trafficking in order to aid in the rescue of victims and arrest perpetrators. To date, 1,631,820 transportation and law enforcement professionals have been trained by TAT. “We are so grateful for the longstanding partnership between TAT and the Trucking Cares Foundation as they continue to demonstrate genuine investment in fighting human trafficking,” said Esther Goetsch, executive director of TAT. “By leveraging their resources towards advancing training throughout the American trucking industry, they are helping to equip drivers with the necessary tools to make a positive impact in one of the greatest human rights violations of our time. Just as truck drivers are essential in keeping America moving, they are also essential in this fight.”

WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has announced its decision to provisionally renew a U.S. Custom Harvesters Inc. (USCHI) exemption from the “K” intrastate restriction on commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for custom harvester drivers operating in interstate commerce. The renewal is for a two-year period, with additional terms and conditions. According to a posting on the Federal Register, FMCSA’s regulations currently provide an exception to the minimum age requirements for drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) controlled and operated by a person engaged in interstate custom harvesting. However, under the agency’s CDL regulations, states may include an intrastate-only (or “K”) restriction for these drivers. This provisional renewal of the exemption continues relief from the CDL provision for two years. This renewed exemption is effective Oct. 3, 2023, through October 3, 2025. Comments must be received on or before Nov. 13, 2023. Custom harvesters frequently employ drivers younger than 21 years of age, who are issued CDLs with a “K” restriction that makes the license valid only for operations within the issuing state. Under an exception in place since 1971, the 21-year-old age requirement, however, does not apply to a CMV driver who drives a CMV controlled and operated by a person engaged in custom-harvesting operations, provided that certain conditions are met. (49 CFR 391.2). Those drivers are therefore allowed to drive in interstate custom harvesting operations notwithstanding the “K” restriction on their licenses. USCHI states that even though CMV drivers engaged in custom harvesting are excepted from the 21-year-old requirement, they are frequently cited during roadside inspections because of the presence of the “K” restriction on their license. USCHI states that this issue impacts the safety records of drivers and employers.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The average price for a gallon of diesel fuel is down across the nation. According to the Energy Information Administration, as of Oct. 9, the price sat at $4.498 per gallon. That’s down from $4.593 per gallon on Oct. 2. The cheapest prices can be found along the Gulf Coast at $4.139 per gallon, while the highest prices are in California at $6.178 per gallon. In the Midwest, expect to pay $4.376 per gallon on average, while the average price in the Rocky Mountain region sat at $4.717 on Oct. 9.