U.S. Department of Transportation highway statistics for 2001 show a drop in the fatal crash rate for large trucks to 2.1 fatal crashes per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, the American Trucking Associations reported. The rate was 2.2 per 100 million VMT in 2000. Total truck-related fatalities dropped 4 percent in 2001.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is requesting comments on what role it should take in the development and installation of event data recorders. Comments are due Jan. 9. To view the notice, visit http://dms.dot.gov and search Docket No. 13546.
Prime Inc. has purchased the assets of ROCOR International, adding the Oklahoma City’s refrigerated freight hauler’s 850 trucks to the 2,500 currently in Prime’s fleet. ROCOR filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August.
Volvo Trucks is the new sponsor for America’s Road Team, which is operated by the American Trucking Associations. The Road Team’s 12 captains deliver the industry’s safety message to the news media, driver education classes, business groups, safety organizations, the U.S. Congress and federal and state regulatory agencies.
Landstar System is placing “Click It Or Ticket” decals on the back of at least 2,000 tractor-trailers to encourage all drivers to use seat belts.
