Winter 2024

Catch up on IST happenings

View this email in your browser Safer Trucking Update DECEMBER 2024 IST HAPPENINGS IST Participates in the NSC Safety Congress & Expo The Institute for Safer Trucking attended the 2024 National Safety Council (NSC) Congress and Expo in Orlando, Florida. As one on the largest annual gatherings of safety professionals, this event provided an opportunity to engage with industry leaders and share insights on trucking safety initiatives and the latest advocacy efforts. Our presence underscored IST’s commitment to collaborate with stakeholders to advance solutions that reduce truck crashes on our roads. IST’s John Lannen with Gary Catapano, Chief Strategy and Safety Advisor at Magtec Meeting with FMCSA on Rulemakings IST met earlier this year with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to discuss ongoing rulemakings critical to trucking safety. Topics included the proposed rules for automatic emergency braking systems and top-end speed limiters for large trucks. IST provided valuable input on how these measures could prevent crashes and save lives. We will remain actively engaged with FMCSA to ensure these rule makings prioritize safety and are implemented swiftly. ATAA Symposium in Nashville IST attended the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) Symposium in Nashville, where we connected with attorneys specializing in truck crash litigation. IST shared our latest research, provided updates on safety initiatives, and reinforced the importance of collaboration between legal experts and safety advocates. The event was an excellent opportunity to build partnerships and advocate for systemic safety improvements such as improved broker accountability. IST’s Jen Walsh, Harry Adler, and John Lannen at the ATAA Symposium NYC Safer Roads Event In October, IST participated in the NYC Safer Roads event, a community-driven initiative aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and injuries. IST’s presence highlighted the role of truck safety in broader road safety discussions. During the event, we educated attendees on the importance of underride protection and other critical safety technologies, like intelligent speed assistance. Drive Safer Sunday Road Safe America and IST continue to promote Drive Safer Sunday, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, by emphasizing the importance of following safety tips for sharing the roads with large trucks. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is one of the most heavily traveled days on the highways and consequently, can be one of the most dangerous. Drive Safer Sunday honors the memory of  Cullum Owings, who was tragically killed in a truck crash as he was driving back to college the Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2002.   LEGISLATIVE NEWS Leadership Updates in Key Committees As the 119th Congress convenes, Representative Sam Graves (R-MO) will continue to serve as Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. On the Senate side, Ted Cruz (R-TX) has been named Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce. Sean Duffy to be Nominated as Transportation Secretary It is anticipated that Sean Duffy will be nominated to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). We look forward to engaging with the Secretary to ensure truck safety remains a top priority, and will keep you updated on the status of this nomination.          Representative Sam Graves (R-MO)  DOT Secretary Nominee Sean Duffy            Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) REGULATORY SPOTLIGHT Automatic Emergency Braking for Large Trucks The FMCSA and NHTSA are finalizing the proposed rule requiring automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems in large trucks. Public comments have been reviewed, and IST continues to advocate for rapid implementation of this life-saving technology. AEB systems can significantly reduce the severity of rear-end collisions and other crashes, and we are closely following the rule’s progress.   Top-End Speed Limiters for Large Trucks The proposed rule to mandate speed limiters on large trucks remains under review. This rule would cap maximum truck speeds, enhancing safety for all road users. IST is working closely with FMCSA to address industry concerns while ensuring the rule prioritizes safety and compliance. Updates on the timeline for implementation are expected in early 2025. YOUR GIFT FUELS OUR MISSION You can help us make traveling on our roads safer. IST is working to improve truck safety so we can all get to our destinations safely. Your gift will support our efforts to fuel our mission and drive impactful changes on our roads. To make a tax-deductible gift, click the button below or mail a check to: Institute for Safer Trucking P.O. Box 460267 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33346 MAKE A GIFT Memorials & Survivor Stories Monthly Zoom Meet Ups The Institute for Safer Trucking promotes a supportive community for survivors of truck crashes and families of victims. To that end, we recently published an updated online space to share memorials of loved ones and survivors’ experiences.   We invite you to create a spotlight for your story or memorial. Each spotlight is customized just for you and may include photos, videos and links to other websites. Please contact Jen Walsh at jwalsh@safertrucking.org for more information. Join Jen Walsh, IST Director and Principal, as she hosts monthly Zoom Meetups featuring trending topics related to truck safety. Meet and interact with industry leaders, advocates from other safety groups, and professional bereavement counselors. We meet virtually on the second Thursday of the month at 4:30pm EST. Look for an email invitation in your inbox. Upcoming Monthly Meetups:   January 9 February 13 March 13 INSTITUTE FOR SAFER TRUCKING Our mailing address: 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, #7000, Washington, DC 20006 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe