FMCSA reopens hours-of-service comment period

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reopened the comment period on the proposed hours-of-service regulations until June 8 to allow for public review and discussion of four additional studies related to driver fatigue. “We are committed to an hours-of-service rule that will help create an environment where commercial truck drivers are rested, alert and focused on safety while on the job,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. According to NPGA, the FMCSA has received comments doubting its research and data used to justify proposed changes to the regulations. NPGA said the trucking industry and the overall safety of the nation’s highways would be best served if the proposed changes were withdrawn. The original deadline for publication of FMCSA’s final rule was July 26. For more information on the rules, visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov.