Issues in licensing and monitoring drivers of large trucks

Motor vehicle injuries constitute a major public health problem, and large trucks are disproportionately represented in fatal crashes even when mileage is taken into account. At the present time there are no adequate procedures for insuring that drivers of these larger rigs are qualified to operate them. In spite of these facts, the Federal government has retreated from its highway safety standard in the area of driver licensing, while at the same time requiring that many states increase the length, width, and complexity of truck configurations allowed within their jurisdictions. Furthermore, the Federal government is currently considering the feasibility of even larger and heavier truck configurations to be allowed on a nationwide network. There is a need for better balance between commerce considerations and public health and safety concerns in regard to large truck transport.