September 2018 Archives
Collision avoidance systems may prevent truck crashes
According to data published by the federal government, there were more than 4,300 traffic fatalities in large truck crashes during the year 2016. That represents a 28 percent increase since 2009. Since the late 1990s, the National Transportation Safety Board has asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at least 10 times to require crash avoidance systems in large trucks operating in California and across the U.S.
Touring emergency rooms, morgue may improve teen driving
Across California and the United States, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of accidental death in teenagers. A recent study found that seeing the extreme consequences of vehicular accidents may improve teenage driving statistics. The study, which was done by researchers at Baylor University, found that teenage drivers who entered into a supplemental drivers' education program had an increased awareness of the consequences of risky driving practices.
Revisions pending for FMCSA's hours-of-service rules
Truckers in California as well as the owners of truck fleets may be interested to hear that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proposed revisions to its hours-of-service rules. The advance notice of proposed rulemaking was published in August 2018, and the FMCSA is welcoming comments on it until September 24. It is holding public listening sessions at various locations.
Study shows distracted driving common to all generations
Drivers in California may be surprised by the results of a distracted driving study that was conducted by Volvo and the Harris Poll. The study, which involved 2,000 participants of varying ages, found that distracted driving is common among all generations. Approximately 81 percent of millennials and Gen Xers admitted to phone use behind wheel, followed by 71 percent of Gen Xers, 64 percent of baby boomers and 50 percent of the Silent Generation.