Institute for Safer Trucking
The Institute for Safer Trucking (IST) is committed to reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks in the United States by implementing data-driven solutions. We work to raise awareness and educate the public about truck safety, offer support to families impacted by crashes, and collaborate with all stakeholders to advance safety on roads.
Top Priorities
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) works by alerting truck drivers to objects with visual and audio alerts; if the driver does not respond, AEB applies the brakes for the driver to reduce the impact speed or prevent the crash altogether. Continued adoption of this technology and the upcoming mandate for AEB in large trucks, will lead to a reduction in truck crashes in the U.S.
Large trucks have been equipped with speed limiter technology since the 1990s. This life-saving feature allows them to limit their maximum operating speeds. Slower speeds reduce the severity of a crash and increase a driver’s response time. A consensus-based policy to require all trucks to operate at a safe speed would benefit everyone on our roads. The FMCSA is currently working on a rule to require the use of speed limiters in large trucks.
Improving Underride Protections
An underride crash occurs when a passenger vehicle travels underneath a truck’s trailer. Trailers can be equipped with guards on the rear and sides that prevent underride. While rear guards are required by law, the standard should be stronger. Side guards are not required in the United States, despite being mandated in numerous other countries.
Conspicuity
Enhancing the visibility of trucks and trailers, especially under low-light conditions, is crucial for road safety. High-visibility markings and reflective materials are promoted to prevent crashes by ensuring these large vehicles are easily seen by all road users. IST has submitted petitions to mandate retroreflective tape on single unit trucks (SUTs) and the addition of intermediate side lamps on trailers and SUTs as these measures significantly would enhance the conspicuity of trucks and trailers,
Broker Accountability
Over the years, there have been efforts by brokers to limit their liability in the trucking industry. While these attempts have been met with strong opposition at the Congressional level, there is a troubling state-based approach that has been moderately successful. Transparent and responsible brokerage practices must be a cornerstone of a modern trucking industry, ensuring that safety remains a top priority.
In the U.S, interstate motor carriers are required to carry a minimum amount of insurance, $750,000, which was set in 1980. Increasing the minimum insurance would motivate insurers to conduct more robust oversight of the trucking industry and help to better cover the costs of truck crashes. If adjusted for medical-cost inflation over the last 40 years, the minimum would total over $5,000,000 in 2024 dollars.
Dual-Facing Cameras
The adoption of dual-facing cameras in large trucks plays a pivotal role in enhancing road safety. These devices offer a clear view of both the driver's actions and road conditions, aiding in crash prevention and fostering an environment of accountability and improved safety practices in trucking companies of all sizes.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) in large trucks are essential for maintaining vehicle safety and efficiency. These systems provide real-time alerts on tire pressure issues, helping to prevent blowouts and improve fuel economy, contributing significantly to safer roadways. IST submitted a petition to expand the TPMS requirements (49 CFR 571.138) to trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more. This initiative aims to ensure optimal tire pressure maintenance, significantly reducing the risk of tire-related incidents involving large trucks.
Our Team
John Lannen
Co-Chair and Principal
Prior to founding IST, John has been a key player in making trucking safer for the past 15 year, serving as Executive Director of the Truck Safety Coalition for most of them. He is a board member and former chair of the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee. Over the years, he has worked with various stakeholders and has earned a reputation as a trusted source on truck safety solutions. John has a B.A. in Economics from The College of William and Mary, an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. He has experience in management, consulting, and as a successful entrepreneur.
Harry Adler
Co-Chair and Principal
Before founding IST, Harry worked at the Truck Safety Coalition in various capacities, including Executive Director. Throughout his time in the truck safety space, he has fostered strong connections with lawmakers, media, safety advocates, and victims and survivors of truck crashes in the U.S. Harry has a B.A. in Law and Society from American University, an M.P.A. in Public and Nonprofit Management from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Affairs, and experience interning in all three branches of Federal government.
Jennifer Walsh
Director and Principal
Jen has worked in the transportation space for more than a decade before founding IST. Before working at the Truck Safety Coalition for more than seven years in various roles, she was employed by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Jen has a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University and has an exceptional ability to connect with families of victims and survivors of large truck crashes.
Peter Malarczyk
Director
Peter survived a large truck crash that killed both of his parents and injured both of his sisters in 2015. After his crash, he began advocating with his sister, Monica, for solutions to make trucking safer. He has a B.S. Business Administration from SUNY Geneseo and an M.S. in Real Estate from NYU School of Professional Studies.
Cara Haynie
Development Director
A seasoned fundraising professional, Cara is passionate about creating impactful initiatives and making a positive difference in non-profit organizations. Her expertise lies in cultivating donor relationships, executing successful campaigns, and strategically leveraging resources for non-profit organizations. Cara spent seventeen years working with Road Safe America managing the annual fund campaign, grants and communications.
Laurie Higginbotham
Director
Laurie lost her son, Michael, in a fatal truck side underride crash. Since then, she and her husband Randy have become fierce advocates and educators about the many preventable truck safety issues, like underride, so that other families do not have to experience the loss that they have. When she is not working to make our roads safer, you can probably find her and Randy rooting for the University of Memphis Tigers.
Kate Brown
Director
Kate's son Graham was critically injured when a trucker fell asleep at the wheel after staying up all night at a party. Graham has undergone 22 surgeries, 3 years of physical therapy, & is permanently, partially disabled. The minimum insurance amount was not enough to cover Graham's ongoing care, so Kate's goal is to help prevent the devastating financial burdens placed on families due to insufficient insurance limits. Kate spent most of her career providing software training, but is now semi-retired and works part-time for a doctor. She is an avid reader and Chicago Cubs fan.
Dexter Culclager
Director
Dexter lost his family of 4 to a tractor-trailer crash in 2015 while serving on active duty in the U.S. Navy. as a Hospital Corpsman Dexter began his advocacy journey in Trucking to fight for the institution and implementation of safety mitigation technologies such as Automatic Emergency Breaking (AEB). Technologies like this and others could have saved Dexter’s family and he has joined IST to help work towards the goal of safer trucking for all. Dexter attended The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where he studied Mechanical Engineering before joining the U.S Navy. Now a veteran after almost ten years of dedicated service, he spends his time with family, gardening, hunting, cooking, and writing.
Baabi Das
Director
Baabi is the CEO and co-founder of Zansors, a personal health analytics company. Before starting this innovative technology company, he worked for 15 years with Fortune 500 companies like Sylvan Learning, Becton-Dickinson and aerospace engineering companies. He has a B.A. and the M.B.A. from the University of Michigan.
Susan Owings
Director
Tracy Quinichett Whitehead
Director
Tracy’s daughter, Channing, was killed in 2009 after a tire flew off a construction vehicle and struck her vehicle. Channing earned her B.S. from University of Maryland College Park. She was also pregnant at the time of the crash. After this tragic and preventable loss, Tracy has worked tirelessly to honor her daughter as well as educate the public about truck safety solutions. For over 25 years, Tracy has worked in Human Resources with leading Fortune 500 companies like Marriott and Insperity. Tracy has a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Notre Dame of Maryland University and is actively pursuing a M.A. in Adult Education and Training.
Eric Hein
Director
Eric’s truck safety advocacy began in 2015, when his 16-year-old son Riley Eric Hein was tragically killed due to the lack of side underride guards on semitrailers. Prior to becoming a truck safety advocate, Eric was an endangered species scientist and policy leader for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, recently retiring after 30 years. Eric now educates the public and elected officials about the safety and financial benefits of side underride guards and campaigns for them to be mandatory on semitrailers and single-unit trucks. Eric earned his Master’s degree in Wildlife Biology in 1992 from Colorado State University and has a Bachelor of Science in Geography with a minor in Zoology from Southern Illinois University.
Steve Owings
Director
Pierce Owings
Director
