FMCSA Announces Over $80 Million in Grants to Enhance Truck Parking and Improve Safety
Our articles may contain affiliate linksThe Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced grant awards exceeding $80 million, with a focus on enhancing truck parking and improving safety in the commercial motor vehicle industry.
According to a press release, this funding aims to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents involving commercial motor vehicles on the nation's roadways. It also seeks to support truck drivers by expanding access to truck parking, investing in critical technology, enhancing safety in work zones, rural areas, high crash corridors, and more.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of these grants in supporting truck drivers and enhancing safety. He stated, "We depend on truck drivers every day, and we have a national responsibility to support their safety and job quality. Today, we are proud to deliver new funding that will improve safety on our nation's roads."
The High Priority grants include a substantial 65% increase in funding for truck parking projects compared to the previous year. These grants aim to benefit truck drivers and safety by:
Expanding Access to Truck Parking
Funding will assist truck drivers in locating available rest area truck parking spaces in real time via dynamic message signs along highways in Kentucky, Delaware, and Indiana.
Research for Automated Alerts
Research will support automated, location-based driver alerts through electronic logging devices, notifying drivers of upcoming work zones to enhance safety for both drivers and construction workers.
Enhancing Electronic Screening Technologies
Improvements will be made to electronic screening technologies, including automated license plate readers, USDOT number readers, tire monitoring systems, and hazardous materials placard readers, to detect vehicle violations.
Combatting Human Trafficking
Outreach and education efforts will target human trafficking, with truck drivers playing a pivotal role given their time and attention on the road.
During a recent event in Sioux Falls, S.D., Secretary Buttigieg highlighted the significance of truck parking, emphasizing its importance for drivers and everyone reliant on highways. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) President and CEO Todd Spencer also stressed the need for further expansion of rest areas through legislation in both the House and Senate, emphasizing its importance to all of America.
Additionally, on the same day, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act (HR2367) gained support from five more co-sponsors in Congress. This act allocates $755 million over three years for the construction of parking spots, with a requirement that any funded project cannot include paid parking. All parking developed under this legislation must be publicly accessible and free of charge.
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Highlights of the article
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces substantial grant awards to enhance truck parking and improve safety in the commercial motor vehicle industry.
These grants aim to reduce accidents involving commercial motor vehicles on the nation's roadways.
They support truck drivers by expanding access to truck parking, investing in technology, and enhancing safety in various areas.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasizes the importance of supporting truck drivers and enhancing safety in the industry.
The grants include a significant increase in funding for truck parking projects.
Key initiatives encompass expanding truck parking, researching automated alerts for drivers, enhancing electronic screening technologies, and addressing human trafficking.
Truck parking is underscored as a vital concern, with calls for further expansion of rest areas through legislation.
The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act (HR2367) gains additional co-sponsors in Congress, with a focus on allocating funding for parking spot construction while emphasizing free and publicly accessible parking.
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