FMCSA Creates Committee to Update Truck and Bus Driver Training
The panel's first public meeting is scheduled for Feb. 26-27.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced the formation of a 26-member advisory committee that is tasked with updating classroom and new behind-the-wheel training requirements for professional truck and bus drivers.
"Over the next 30 years, we're going to be relying on trucks – and truckers – to move more than 40 percent more freight than they currently do," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "With more people and freight crossing our country than ever before, this committee's work will be critical to ensuring that commercial drivers are fully capable of operating their vehicles safely."
The Entry-Level Driver Training Advisory Committee is made up of a diverse cross-section of motor carrier interests, including training organizations, the intercity bus and trucking industries, law enforcement, labor unions, and safety advocates. Members include LaMont Byrd, health and safety director at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Jim Edwards of the National Association of Small Trucking Companies; Scott Grenerth, regulatory affairs director for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association; Clyde Hart, vice president of government affairs for the American Bus Association; David Heller, safety and policy director for the Truckload Carriers Association; Al Smith, safety and security director for Greyhound Lines, Inc.; and Peter Kurdock, regulatory affairs director for Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.
"Ensuring roadway safety starts with the driver," said FMCSA Acting Administrator Scott Darling. "Finalizing new training requirements for truck and bus operators is one of my top priorities, and we have tapped a group of uniquely qualified stakeholders to help us work through the details and meet this goal."