THE FEDS' MASTER PLAN FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY

To reduce truck accidents, the federal government is unfolding a master plan that will increase its ability to identify and deal with scofflaw fleet managers, unqualified truck drivers and unsafe commercial vehicles. At the heart of the plan is Safetynet--a computerized database providing enforcement personnel with a hit list of notably unsafe fleets. The data base will include information about three main areas of concern: unsafe vehicles, problem drivers and motor carriers often not in compliance with federal regulations and/or having too many accidents. Data on unsafe vehicles will be collected via lap-top computers at roadside safety inspections conducted by states participating in the federal Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP). Paid for by the Highway Trust Fund since 1984, MCSAP was authorized by the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982. To receive MCSAP funding, a state must adopt federal motor carrier safety regulations or enact equivalent regulations. Today, Florida and South Dakota are the only states not participating, although participation by Alaska and Washington, D.C. remains partial. Since 1984, state MCSAP inspectors have checked more than a million commercial vehicles each year. About 30% are placed out of service for safety violations. Intrastate as well as interstate vehicles are inspected. Data on problem drivers will be sent to Safetynet as a result of the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program. Safetynet information on fleets will include accident frequency and/or inadequate compliance with federal regulations. Safetynet will flag carriers that receive a less-than-satisfactory safety rating from the Federal Highway Administration's Office of Motor Carriers. This article discusses in detail how the master plan will target Safetynet's three objectives.