The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed that CDL drivers have their licenses suspended or revoked if convicted of certain violations while driving non-commercial vehicles.
Offenses would include: drunken driving, leaving the scene of an accident, committing a substance-related felony, violating railroad-highway grade crossing signs, excessive speeding, and reckless driving. (See “Safety Matters,” p. 48.)
In a prepared statement, Acting Deputy FMCSA Administrator Julie Anna Cirillo said, “Because of the importance of their job, these drivers should be held to the highest standard of safety. This requirement would improve truck safety and support the Bush Administration's goal to reduce the number of truck-related fatalities.” FMCSA officials estimate that nearly 500 commercial driver-related crashes would be avoided annually if this directive were implemented.
Public comments are due by August 2 on docket FMCSA-00-7382. For information, call Robert Redmond at 202-366-9579 or Charles Medalen at 202-366-1354.
