The Nation Archives

NSC, DEKRA publish safety technology roadmap to help protect workers

The Trucker News Staff - March 30, 2022

ITASCA, Ill. — The National Safety Council released a new white paper Wednesday through its Work to Zero initiative titled Safety Technology Pilot and Implementation Roadmap: Making Innovation Accessible. Developed in partnership with safety testing company DEKRA, the report highlights challenges to innovation and provides a roadmap to assist employers on their safety journey. “Having safety technology accessible to companies of all sizes is critical to reducing and eliminating workplace fatalities,” Paul Vincent, NSC executive vice president of the workplace practice, said. “The National Safety Council is doubling down on efforts like the Work to Zero initiative to help companies keep their workers safe by understanding the technology to enable them do so. Fatalities should never be the cost of doing business, and this report delivers a clear path for employers to embrace safety technologies, which will save lives.” Each year, nearly 5,000 workers are lost to preventable causes. Work to Zero aims to reverse this trend through the promise of technology, with the ultimate goal of eliminating workplace fatalities by 2050. This new report offers a four-stage roadmap with a series of continuous improvement actions for employers to follow for digital transformation, including: Plan: determine the business goals for digital transformation. Prepare: engage a group of digital champions and consider all elements of change management. Evaluate: review proofs of concept and the return on investment for safety technology. Innovate: revisit and engage all affected groups for technology and support readiness and launch implementation. “Organizations that invest in developing an innovative spirit as well as learn to be agile and resilient can reap the optimal benefit of what technology has to offer,” Dr. Mei-Li Lin, senior vice president for innovation, solution and partnership at DEKRA, said. The Safety Council offers an online safety course for professional truck drivers. To access it, click here.

U.S. designates future I-27 part of interstate highway system

The Trucker News Staff - March 30, 2022

WASHINGTON — The designation of future Interstate 27 became official on March 15 as President Joe Biden signed into law the appropriation bill. The designation recognizes the Ports-to-Plains Corridor from Laredo, Texas, to Raton, New Mexico, as an addition to the Interstate Highway System. “I am very excited that the I-27 highway expansion project is now written into law with the passage of the FY22 omnibus appropriations bill,” Henry Cuellar, U.S. Rep. for District 28, said. “This designation will make Texas and New Mexico eligible for increased federal funding to complete the I-27 highway expansion project, creating economic growth, jobs, trade opportunities across those two states. The I-27 expansion will grow the Texas GDP by $17.2 billion and create 178,000 construction jobs. It will also add 17,000 long-term employment opportunities in the new I-27 corridor. With this project, Laredo will also become the only port of entry that has three corridors: I-35, I-69, I-27—a boon for our trade economy. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fund projects in south Texas that bring good-paying jobs and ease quality of life for my constituents.” “Establishing a four lane, federal highway for I-27 is a game-changer for our economy and quality of life in West Texas for decades to come and will strengthen our food security and energy independence for the entire country,” Jodey Arrington, U.S. Rep. for District 19, said. “I had three big goals for a better and stronger West Texas when I took office in 2016 – get cotton back in the farm bill, secure the B-21 bomber at Dyess, and establish a federal highway for West Texas. I had a lot of help from colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I’m humbled by the opportunities this will provide for generations of West Texans.” Receiving the future interstate designation is the first step to begin fundraising for the extension of I-27. As TxDOT’s feasibility study determined, the extension of I-27 impacts the state of Texas in improving the safety of the roads by reducing the annual crash rate by 21% and providing more access and opportunities for rural America. “I am ecstatic we received the future interstate designation for I-27 which will allow for the necessary infrastructure improvement to bring growth to our region and the state of Texas,” Dan Pope, mayor for the City of Lubbock, said. “As with most momentous achievements, our thanks are due to many in their support of this project. From the Governor to our U.S. Senators and Representatives, as well as our State Representatives, this will be a changing moment in Texas for decades.” The corridor represents three of the eight border crossings along the Texas-Mexico border: Laredo, Eagle Pass and Del Rio. As the next steps to fund and construct the extension of I-27 begin, the economic benefit for the U.S. is the addition of 1.7 million jobs and a $287 billion increase in GDP along the Corridor. “The impact of this designation is tremendous as it allows for the enhancement of infrastructure for domestic and international markets, creates safer roads for leisure and business travels, and connects underrepresented communities throughout the Corridor with outside markets,” John Osborne, chairman of the board for Ports-to-Plains Alliance, said. “We would not be celebrating this historic moment without the support of Congressman Arrington and Cuellar and Congresswoman Granger, Senators Heinrich and Lujan, as well as our team of advocates at Hance Scarborough. We are grateful for their leadership and support of this project.”

Minnesota State Patrol to increase flight patrols

The Trucker News Staff - March 30, 2022

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) is increasing flight patrols by 25 percent, according to a Wednesday Facebook post by the agency. “The State Patrol is increasing flight times to better serve local law enforcement following discussions with local agencies and assessing the need,” the post stated. “A portion of the increased flights will support HEAT enforcement patrols throughout the summer. The State Patrol will continue assessing this initiative and make any changes necessary to best support all Minnesotans.” The State Patrol Flight Section is responsible for the support of state, county and local aerial law enforcement support. The flight Section is based in St. Paul and Brainerd. There are nine state trooper pilots in the Flight Section who fly two Bell helicopters, three Cessna 182 airplanes and a Cirrus SR22 airplane. All helicopters are equipped with thermal imagers, Night Sun spotlights and microwave down link equipment capable of transmitting a live video picture from the helicopter to a receiver — this live video can then be streamed online, according to the agency’s website. Most helicopter flying is done during nighttime hours and all the pilots are equipped and trained to fly using night vision goggles. The pilots are also trained in vertical reference flight allowing short haul, rappel and close quarter loading operations used in search and rescue. These search and rescue missions are performed in conjunction with the MN Air Rescue Team (MART). Tactical operations using the same skillsets are also performed by the State Patrol Special Response Team. The Cessna 182 airplanes are used for traffic enforcement, transport of law enforcement personnel and surveillance. The Minnesota State Patrol Flight Section was formed in 1957 with the purchase of two Piper Super Cub airplanes. The airplanes were used for spotting unreported crashes, stalls and other traffic obstructions and hazards. The airplanes were also used in traffic speed enforcement.

NDOT reveals winners of 2022 ‘Name a Snowplow’ contest

The Trucker News Staff - March 30, 2022

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) has announced the winners of its inaugural “Name a Snowplow” contest. With more than 300 submissions by Nebraska elementary school students, the list was narrowed down to 17 winners. The creativity of students’ submissions was impressive, making it difficult to narrow down the list, according to Shannon Ankeny, NDOT Director of Communications and Public Policy. Some of the winning names included Blizzard of Oz, Darth Blader, Snowbuster and Snow Big Red. “We were excited to give Nebraska’s students the chance to get involved in naming our plows,” Ankeny said. “It’s also a great way to recognize our hardworking snowplow drivers and maintenance workers, who are often the unsung heroes of keeping our roads safe during and after winter weather.” The selected plows will be branded with their new monikers and have been updated on NDOT’s website where the name and location of each plow is available in real time. While NDOT has over 600 snowplows, these 17 winners will be the only ones identified by name for now. NDOT will share additional information on its social media pages, including when the 17 names are placed on the snowplows. NDOT plans to have another contest next year, with the goal to have 30 new names to add by early October, Ankeny said.

US consumers still confident, but outlook not as rosy

The Associated Press - March 30, 2022

SILVER SPRING, Md. — U.S. consumer confidence bounced back in March and remains high, though consumers’ short-term outlook is not quite as rosy. The way consumers spend, or don’t spend, directly relates to freight rates, shipping and the entire trucking industry. The Conference Board, a business research group, said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index — which takes into account consumers’ assessment of current conditions and their outlook for the future — rose to 107.2 in March from 105.7 in February. The board’s present situation index, which measures consumers’ assessment of current business and labor conditions, also rose this month to 153 from 143 in February. However, the expectations index, based on consumers’ six-month outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, declined to 76.6 from 80.8 in February. Respondents cited higher prices — particularly gas prices — and the war in Ukraine as the biggest factors. The proportion of people planning to purchase homes, automobiles, and major appliances over the next six months all fell as interest rates have risen, the Conference Board said. The Federal Reserve raised its main borrowing rate by a quarter point earlier this month, the main mechanism for combatting inflation. But many economists say the Fed’s first rate hike in three years came too late. Two weeks ago, the government reported that inflation at the consumer level soared over the past year at its highest rate in four decades. The 7.9% price surge ranged across the economy, from food and furniture to apartment rents, airline fares and electricity. There are signs that American consumers are curtailing their spending. After beginning the year in a buying mood, Americans slowed their spending in February on gadgets, home furnishings and other discretionary items as higher prices for necessities — food, gasoline, and shelter — are cutting into any pay increases. Retail sales increased just 0.3% last month after registering a revised 4.9% jump from December to January, fueled by wage gains, solid hiring and more money in banking accounts, according to the Commerce Department. Some economists believe the healthy U.S. labor market is a major factor driving consumer confidence. “Consumer confidence rose because it is heavily weighted toward job prospects, and not only are job postings plentiful, many workers are job hopping to land better pay and better benefits, especially working from home,” said economist Robert Frick with Navy Federal Credit Union. The Labor Department reported Tuesday that there were 11.3 million available jobs last month, matching January’s figure and just below December’s record of 11.4 million. The number of Americans quitting their jobs was also historically high, at 4.4 million. The unemployment rate is at a historically low 3.8% and some analysts expect that number to come down further when the government releases its March jobs report on Friday.

Operation Safe Driver Week set to saturate North America with cops on patrol

The Trucker News Staff - March 29, 2022

WASHINGTON — This year’s Operation Safe Driver Week is scheduled for July 10-16 and will see law enforcement personnel in Canada, Mexico and the United States fanning out in force on thousands of miles of roadways. According to a news release from the Commercial Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, officers will be issuing warnings and citations to commercial motor vehicle and passenger vehicle drivers “engaging in unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, improper lane change and drunk or drugged driving.” Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) released its latest annual traffic crash report, showing that 38,824 lives were lost in traffic crashes nationwide in 2020 – the highest number of fatalities since 2007. And while the number of crashes and traffic injuries declined overall, fatal crashes increased by 6.8%. Among the alarming statistics in NHTSA’s report was the key finding that speed-related fatalities increased by 17%. Consequently, speeding, in particular, will be a dangerous driving behavior that officers will identify and target during Operation Safe Driver Week. “The rising fatalities on our roadways are a national crisis; we cannot and must not accept these deaths as inevitable,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The CVSA Operation Safe Driver Program was created to improve the driving behaviors of all drivers and reduce the number of crashes involving commercial motor vehicles on our roadways through educational and traffic enforcement strategies. Operation Safe Driver Week was created by CVSA with support from federal agencies in Canada, Mexico and the U.S., the motor carrier industry, and transportation safety organizations. “This safe driving initiative and campaign focuses specifically on drivers’ actions – whether it’s something a driver did, like speeding, or something they didn’t do, such as not paying attention to the driving task,” said CVSA President Capt. John Broers with the South Dakota Highway Patrol. “This focus on drivers’ behaviors is our effort to identify and educate drivers who are operating dangerously on our roadways, with the goal of preventing crashes from occurring.” To find out about Operation Safe Driver Week enforcement events in specific areas, drivers should contact the agency or department responsible for overseeing commercial motor vehicle safety in their area.

Dense fog blamed for multi-vehicle crash on U.S. 95 in Idaho

The Trucker News Staff - March 29, 2022

NEZ PERCE COUNTY, Idaho — Idaho State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash with an injury near mile post 313.3 northbound on U.S. 95 in Nez Perce County on Tuesday morning. A Subaru Crosstrek, driven by a 47-year-old woman, was heading northbound on U.S. 95 entering an area of dense fog. The Crosstrek hit the rear of a loaded flatbed commercial vehicle driven by a 54-year-old man. The Crosstrek stopped in the lane of travel and was hit again, this time from the rear, by a gold Toyota sedan driven by a 39-year-old man. The Toyota was then hit from the rear by a black Subaru Outback driven by a 42-year-old woman who had a child as passenger. Both vehicles are stopped in the lanes of travel when a gold Chevy Cruz driven by a 59-year-old woman came upon the crash after passing a white Dodge vending truck. The Chevy driver came to an abrupt stop due the crash and was hit from the rear by the Dodge vending truck, which was driven by a 32-year-old man. The evidence from the scene concluded the Crosstrek rear ended the Volvo tractor and trailer, which set off a chain reaction. Authorities said the crash appears to be a result of low visibility due to the onset of fog as drivers were starting to ascend the Lewiston grade. Based on the weather conditions at the time, no drivers were cited for the crash. However, all drivers were driving too fast for conditions to react properly and avoid the collision. Northbound traffic was shut down for approximately two hours due to the size of the crash and number of vehicles involved. The driver of the Subaru Crosstrek was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where she was treated for minor injuries. All other parties were examined at the scene and were not transported. All drivers involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

Virginia adding truck parking spaces along I-95

The Trucker News Staff - March 29, 2022

CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. — The Virginia Department of Transportation is expanding the number of parking spaces for trucks and other large commercial vehicles at the Interstate 95 southbound Ladysmith Safety Area in Caroline County, located at mile marker 108. According to a news release, the project will expand the number of available truck and larger commercial vehicle parking spaces from 20 spaces to 45 parking spaces. Construction is starting in May 2021 to build the new parking spaces, which are expected to open to traffic in June 2022. All rest area restrooms, amenities and passenger car parking will remain open to visitors during construction. A brief closure of the truck and oversize vehicle parking area is scheduled for April 4-14 and again from April 19-29. This brief closure will allow the project contractor to install concrete in the future truck parking area. In addition to the 20 truck parking spaces, the facility offers 55 parking spaces for cars and 4 handicapped-accessible parking spaces. Construction barrels are installed along the shoulder of the interstate entrance and exit ramps at the rest area, and at the rear of the truck and oversize vehicle parking area. Motorists will not be able to access the shoulder in these areas during construction.

GHSA, GM collaborate to combat distracted driving

The Trucker News Staff - March 29, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With Distracted Driving Awareness Month kicking off on April 1, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and General Motors (GM) announced Tuesday the development of a report that will take a new look at distracted driving, with expected publication this summer. The goal of the report is to reduce preventable driving behavior and change the social norm so all road users get home safely, a news release stated. Supported by GM, GHSA will release the comprehensive report, which will examine data collection and other distracted driving challenges and identify actions that State Highway Safety Offices (SHSO) and their partners can take to effectively address them. Through GM grant funding, GHSA will also offer competitive grants to SHSOs to help them implement the recommended actions in the forthcoming report. Grants will fund distracted driving prevention activities in several awarded states and will also serve as a model for other states and their partners seeking to expand their anti-distraction efforts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported earlier this month that 3,142 people died in distraction-related crashes in the U.S. in 2020, accounting for 8.1% of roadway fatalities. Additionally, another 400,000 people are injured each year in distracted-related crashes. However, the true numbers are likely much higher due to underreporting. Distracted driving is especially dangerous for people walking, biking or otherwise outside of a vehicle. Non-motorists accounted for nearly one in five distracted driving crash deaths in 2019, according to NHTSA. “General Motors is committed to helping create a future with zero crashes, and we’re thrilled to support GHSA as they aim to reduce distracted driving and unsafe behavior on the road,” Regina Carto, Vice President of Global Product Safety & Systems at GM, said. “GHSA’s efforts to identify actions that communities can take to reduce this unsafe behavior can help GM’s vision become a reality.” Additionally, GM’s recent proprietary “Future of Safety Research Study” found that while hand-held texting and driving can increase your risk of a crash, so can elevated emotional states. The study found that drivers believe that stress is a key factor influencing their focus on the road with most respondents admitting that their emotional state impacts their driving and one-third reported they have pulled over because they felt too emotional to drive. Changing the social norm about distracted driving is critical for reducing and ultimately eliminating the crashes, injuries and deaths caused by this risky behavior. A 2021 survey by AAA found that more than half of drivers (51%) admitted they text and/or email on their phone while alone in the vehicle. National and state driver surveys indicate that distracted driving is a top road safety concern, but observational studies affirm that mobile phone use behind the wheel is rampant. “Look around and you’ll see distracted drivers everywhere – it’s a safety epidemic,” GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins said. “This unique collaboration will shine a light on this problem and help advance one of the core principles outlined in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, which calls for safer people by encouraging safer behaviors. Making attentive driving the norm will benefit everyone on the road.”

Police identify suspect in shooting of tow truck driver on I-70

The Trucker News Staff - March 29, 2022

HENDRICKS COUNTY, Ind. — The suspect accused of shooting a tow truck driver multiple times on March 25 on Interstate 70 has been identified as Joseph Jackson, 22, of Raytown, Missouri. Jackson was taken into custody shortly after the incident and incarcerated at the Hendricks County Jail. The Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office has filed the formal charges of: Attempted Murder Aggravated Battery Neglect of a Dependent Carrying a Handgun with No License Conversion (theft of the tow truck) The victim was Mathew Roberts, 38, and was operating a tow truck for Curtis Wrecker Service out of Stilesville, Indiana. Roberts is in stable condition at a local hospital. Prior to the shooting, investigators determined the vehicle Jackson was driving became disabled with a flat tire. He called the Indiana State Police Indianapolis Post to request assistance finding a tow truck. Indiana State Police contacted Curtis Wrecker Service, who responded to help. Once on scene and after the disabled vehicle was loaded onto the tow truck, Jackson allegedly shot Roberts multiple times before fleeing the scene in the tow truck.

Traffic shifts scheduled to resume work on Tri-State Tollway interchange project

The Trucker News Staff - March 29, 2022

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – Traffic shifts on Interstate 57 have begun as roadway bridge work resumes on I-57 over the CSX Railroad. The work is part of the final year of construction to complete the Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 294)/I-57 Interchange Project. Electronic message signs and construction signage will be put in place in advance to alert drivers to changes in traffic patterns and construction throughout the construction season. Up-to-date information regarding closures will be available in the Illinois Tollway’s Daily Construction Alert. All work is weather dependent. Work in 2022 includes the completion of the ramp connecting northbound I-294 to northbound I-57, the two ramps carrying southbound I-57 to I-294 and work to widen the CSX Railroad Bridge on I-57. In addition, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has roadway resurfacing work scheduled to begin on I-57 later this year. Weather permitting, this week on I-57 overnight lane closures will be scheduled between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. with traffic reduced to a single lane at midnight. Up to three nights of closures will be needed to shift traffic. In addition, closures of the ramps carrying southbound I-57 to 147th Street and 147th Street to northbound I-57 will be needed. Each ramp requires only one night of closures. No detours will be posted. The shifts are needed for work to widen the bridges over the railroad. After the shifts are put in place, traffic is scheduled to remain in this configuration into summer. Maps and construction information about the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) I-57 Interchange Project is available in the Project’s section on the Tollway’s website at www.illinoistollway.com. This work is part of the second phase of the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project, which includes building four new ramps to connect southbound I-57 to I-294 and 294 to northbound I-57, including the flyover ramp bridge. The flyover ramp bridge will carry traffic from southbound I-57 to southbound I-294 and from 147th to southbound I-57. The multi-span structure will be 2,649 feet long with a bridge deck approximately 16 feet above I-294 and 17 feet above I-57. Interchange construction is scheduled to be complete this year. Additional work on this project includes the reconstruction of the I-57 median and the widening of the I-57 mainline, as well as drainage improvements, erosion and sediment control, retaining wall and bridge construction. The $719 million I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is funded by the IDOT and the Illinois Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future. The new interchange is improving travel by providing customers with completed access between the two interstates. For the first time, the new I-294/I-57 Interchange provides motorists with access between I-294 and I-57, including a new interchange at 147th Street. The complete interchange will reduce congestion on local routes, enhance economic development and improve regional mobility. The all-electronic interstate-to-interstate connection better serves commuters and freight operators while opening access for local communities.

3 killed in 50-vehicle pileup on snowy Pennsylvania highway

The Trucker News Staff - March 28, 2022

POTTSVILLE, Pa. — A Pennsylvania county coroner said Monday at least three people died in a collision involving more than 50 vehicles that closed a portion of Interstate 81 and sent more than a dozen people to area hospitals. Dr. David J. Moylan, the Schuylkill County coroner, said the search of the scene hasn’t been completed because of the burning vehicles, but “I suspect it could run higher.” The crash in northeast Pennsylvania happened around 10:30 a.m. and John Blickley, the deputy emergency management coordinator for the agency, said officials believe a snow squall clouded visibility and likely contributed to the accident. About 40 vehicles including multiple tractor trailers were involved in the initial crash, he said. Blickley said three tractor trailers carrying unknown cargo were on fire when emergency personnel responded. Smaller fires broke out in other vehicles as well, but all had been largely brought under control, he said. Pennsylvania State Police Trooper David Beohm estimated a total of 50 to 60 vehicles were involved in the crash, including some tractor trailers and several smaller vehicles. “We can’t do anything while there’s still an active fire going, and fire (officials) say it will probably be another one to two hours until they get it extinguished,” Beohm said. Many fire units were at the scene, including a number or tankers coming to replenish water because there was no water source from hydrants on scene. People whose vehicles were in the crash and the “walking wounded” were taken to the Wegman’s distribution center in an industrial park near the crash, he said, and a reunification center had been set up at the Goodwill Fire Company in Minersville. Footage uploaded to social media on Monday showed a tractor-trailer smash into a large dump truck, turning it nearly 180 degrees. Another large truck spewed black smoke and orange flames into the air and an SUV struck a passenger car sending the sedan spinning, narrowly missing its driver who stood on the shoulder of the highway shrouded in snow and fog.

Time magazine: Company that slain truck driver worked for has history of labor complaints

The Trucker News Staff - March 28, 2022

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The company that truck driver Aristedes Garcia, who was allegedly slain by his co-driver, Miguel Ibarguren, worked for has a history of labor complaints, according to an investigative report by Time. The company, CRST, was one of the six companies that the White House announced would be creating registered apprenticeships through its Apprenticeship Accelerator program. The program seeks to address driver shortage by training more drivers, including 18- to 20-year-olds. It is not known if Ibarguren or Garcia were part of the program. CRST reportedly has a reputation as an unpleasant place to learn to be a truck driver, according to Time. “Like many other long distance freight haulers, it offers to pay for drivers’ commercial license training if they commit to working for CRST for 10 months. In those 10 months, new drivers are partnered with slightly more experienced drivers and haul freight across the country; one sleeps in a berth while the other drives. This practice is called team driving and enables companies to move freight more cheaply and quickly than with a solo driver who would have to stop to sleep,” the Time article states. The Iowa-based company has also had issues when it comes to sexual harassment claims. There were up to 200 sexual harassment claims involving CRST drivers, Time reports. “One woman said that she was raped by her trainer, and told that without corroborating evidence like a video, the company could not do anything,” the article states. “She said CRST then billed her $9,000 for training; the case was settled for $5 million last year.”

Convoy protesting COVID mandates rolls on to California

The Associated Press - March 28, 2022

HAGERSTOWN, Md. — A group of truck drivers protesting COVID-19 mandates on roads and highways around the Washington, D.C., area in recent weeks will head to California next, an organizer announced Sunday night. During a livestream of the People’s Convoy nightly rally Sunday, organizer Mike Landis read a list of measures aimed at controlling COVID-19 in California, The Herald-Mail reported. “I think stopping those is more important at this point in time than getting the emergency declaration repealed because that’s already in place and we need to stop stuff like these bills from getting in place,” Landis said, “otherwise, the rest of us that don’t live in California are going to end up subject to the same situation.” The convoy arrived in the Washington region in early March with plans to snarl traffic on the Capital Beltway to make their feelings known to lawmakers. The effort follows similar demonstrations by truckers in Canada upset at vaccine requirements to cross the Canadian border. The group has stayed at the Hagerstown Speedway for the last three weeks, regularly traveling as a group of big rigs, cars and campers to the beltway and downtown Washington, D.C., to protest COVID-19 mandates and seeking a repeal of the pandemic state of emergency. One image the group posted to social media three weeks ago shows more than 160 vehicles and calls on others to join them at the speedway. On its website, the group said it was heading to California to protest bills coming up for votes soon. “If passed, these bills set the stage for other states to introduce similar laws. We know that what starts in CA, spreads to other blue and purple states, and potentially at a federal level,” the group said in its announcement. “This affects everyone!” Landis did not say when the group would leave, but he invited people to convoy Monday to a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, before they pack up and head West, and hinted at a possible return. “We’re not done here,” Landis said. “We’ll go to California and raise awareness along the way and hopefully get more people like we did on our way here. “And then, once we stop this, we’ll come back to finish this job.”

Truck driver charged for driving in left lane after four-wheeler crashes into trailer

The Trucker News Staff - March 28, 2022

HANOVER COUNTY, Va.— An 18-wheeler driver has been charged for driving in the left lane of Interstate 95 after a March 23 accident involving a Honda Civic. According to the Virginia State Police, Lauren Ott, 22, of Midlothian, Virginia, was trapped inside her car after hydroplaning and becoming stuck underneath a big rig driven by 31-year-old Elione Sengabo of Texas. Police responded to the crash around 4 p.m. and said Hanover Fire and Rescue was able to remove Ott from her vehicle and take her to VCU Medical Center for treatment. She suffered from serious but not life-threatening injuries and was wearing her seat belt during the crash. Police said Sengabo was also wearing his seatbelt and was not injured in the incident. Ott was charged for reckless driving and failure to maintain control of a vehicle. In Virginia, if the speed limit is a minimum of 65 miles per hour and the highway has more than two lanes, semi-trucks must stay in the middle or the right lane. The crash remains under investigation.

FMCSA disqualifies Wyoming-licensed driver who failed field sobriety test

The Trucker News Staff - March 28, 2022

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has disqualified Wyoming-licensed commercial driver David R. Williams after determining he constitutes an “imminent hazard” to public safety and ordered him to immediately cease operating any commercial motor vehicle in interstate or intrastate commerce. Williams was served the Federal order on March 16. On Feb. 16, Williams was driving a school bus transporting high school students from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Spearfish, South Dakota, for a school event. Williams was pulled over for a roadside inspection after a Wyoming Highway Patrol officer observed him to be following too close and failing to maintain lane control. After failing a field sobriety test, Williams submitted to a breath test which showed an alcohol concentration of approximately 0.15, well over the 0.04 threshold for a commercial motor vehicle driver. In addition, in-vehicle video evidence showed Williams to be drinking alcohol both before and while transporting the students. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, drivers with a commercial driver’s license are subject to a variety of prohibitions on use of alcohol prior to and while driving CMVs, including a prohibition on using any alcohol within four hours of driving and a prohibition on driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater. Williams is now listed as prohibited in FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and faces a number of possible criminal charges in Wyoming. FMCSA’s imminent hazard disqualification order states that William’s “blatant violations of the FMCSRs and disregard for the safety of your school-age passengers and other highway users demonstrated by these actions substantially increases the likelihood of serious injury or death to you and the motoring public.” Failing to comply with the provisions of the Federal imminent hazard disqualification order may result in civil penalties of up to $5,902. Knowing and/or willful violations may result in criminal penalties. A copy of the imminent hazard disqualification order issued to David R. Williams is available here.

$870 million transportation package investing heavily in EV moves to Vermont Senate

The Trucker News Staff - March 28, 2022

MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Vermont House has passed a massive transportation spending package that advanced two pieces of legislation investing $866 million in Vermont’s bridges, roads and public transit as well as significantly expanding electric vehicle incentives and infrastructure. The federal cash will expand Vermont’s paving budget by a third to $158 million. State highway bridges would get $58 million, up 17%. Bike and pedestrian facilities will get close to $20 million, an increase of 18%., according to VTDigger. Items in the bills include: $22 million to cut the cost of buying electric cars $19 million for electric charging infrastructure $1.4 million to maintain zero-fare transit in urban areas through 2023 $12 million for plug-in electric car incentives $2 million for Drive Electric Vermont $3 million for MileageSmart, $3 million for replace your ride incentives $1 million for electric bikes $1 million for electric snowmobiles and ATVs Just more than $6 million is being set aside to install the electric charging stations along the state’s roadways. The bill would require stations within one mile of every interstate highway exit Most of the funding will come through H.736, the state’s annual transportation bill. There will also be an omnibus state appropriations bill called H.740, or the “Big Bill,” which also carries some transportation funding. Both bills were approved by the Vermont House of Representatives on Friday and now head to the State Senate. Vermont is receiving more than $2 billion from the infrastructure deal passed by the U.S. Congress in November.

Fuel prices slowly inching downward

The Trucker News Staff - March 28, 2022

CAMARILLO, Calif. — The average U.S. price of a gallon of regular-grade gasoline dropped 6 cents over the past two weeks to $4.37 per gallon. Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg of the Lundberg Survey said Sunday that the decrease comes after nine straight weeks of price hikes totaling 98 cents. According to the survey, the average price of diesel is $5.16 a gallon, down 4 cents over two weeks. The price at the pump is $1.42 higher than it was a year ago. Nationwide, the highest average price for regular-grade gas is in Los Angeles, at $5.99 per gallon. The lowest average is in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at $3.70 per gallon. Oil prices have been volatile since Russia’s war against Ukraine began in February. Russia is the second-biggest crude exporter. Energy prices were already high, but the conflict has raised concerns about a worsening supply crunch that could maker persistently rising inflation even worse. The United Arab Emirates’ energy minister on an oil alliance with Russia, saying it’s an important member of the global OPEC+ energy alliance with its output of 10 million barrels of oil a day. “And leaving the politics aside, that volume is needed today,” Suhail al-Mazrouei said. “Unless someone is willing to come and bring 10 million barrels, we don’t see that someone can substitute Russia.” Led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, the alliance has the capacity to increase oil output and bring down crude prices that have soared past $100 a barrel. Benchmark U.S. crude fell $6.67 to $107.23 a barrel Monday in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It rose 1.4% to settle at $113.90 per barrel late Friday. Brent crude, the international pricing standard, fell $6.27 to $111.10 a barrel.

Shell Rotella SuperRigs event rolling into Branson Landing

The Trucker News Staff - March 25, 2022

BRANSON, Mo. — The 40th Annual Shell Rotella® SuperRigs®, a truck beauty contest, will be held June 9-11 at Branson Landing in Branson, Missouri. Branson Landing is a 95-acre waterfront development that holds more than 100 specialty stores, restaurants, and show venues. There are numerous events and activities being planned that will honor 40 years of SuperRigs and the significance truck drivers play in people’s lives. Shell Rotella SuperRigs competitors compete for 24 awards including Best Chrome, Best Lights, and of course, Best of Show. Events are still being planned for the 40th celebration, leveraging the activities that Branson has to offer. Twelve drivers will be selected to have their truck featured in the 2023 Shell Rotella SuperRigs Calendar which will also feature the surrounding area of Branson. Highlights include: Truck Parade at Branson Landing Contestant dinner Truck lights competition Angler, Jimmy Houston offering fishing tips and tricks Musical entertainment The Shell Rotella SuperRigs competition is the premier truck beauty contest for actively working trucks. Owner/operator truckers from across the U.S. and Canada compete annually for more than $25,000 in cash and prizes. There is no fee to enter SuperRigs and the weekend is designed to be fun for the whole family.

Lamont signs bill suspending 25-cent per gallon gasoline tax

The Associated Press - March 25, 2022

HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signed emergency legislation Thursday that will suspend a 25-cent-per-gallon state gasoline tax from April 1 to June 30 to give motorists some relief at the pump. The new law also establishes a second sales-tax-free week on clothing and footwear valued under $100 per item, beginning April 10. That’s in addition to the one typically held in August for back-to-school shoppers. Furthermore, the bill provides free bus service between now and June 30. The Democratic governor signed the legislation a day after it received unanimous bipartisan approval in the General Assembly. Both Democrats and Republicans have said they hope to pass additional tax cuts later in the session. “I am appreciative that legislative leaders from both parties successfully worked with my office to get this done, and I think these actions are a good indicator that in the coming weeks we will be able to once again come to a bipartisan agreement to provide more tax relief to the people of Connecticut,” Lamont said in a written statement. Connecticut is the latest state to suspend its gas taxes to give drivers a break from high prices, the result of pandemic-induced inflation and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Governors in Georgia and Maryland have enacted temporary gas tax freezes and other state legislators are considering similar moves.