Transportation news for division members

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Arlington, VA – The National Sleep Foundation, which advocates research and treatment of sleep disorders, has come out against a Senate bill (S. 1537) that could prevent or delay new requirements for mandatory screening of truck and bus drivers to detect obstructive sleep apnea.

Washington – Dog bites, falls and vehicle collisions were the leading causes of injuries among U.S. Postal Service employees in 2012, according to a Government Accountability Office report released Sept. 26.

Albany, NY – As part of ongoing efforts to combat distracted driving, New York state has established “texting zones” on major highways for motorists to park and use their cell phone.

Washington – A Sept. 24 proposed rule from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration would prohibit hazardous materials carriers and associated companies from further operations if they do not pay civil penalties for violations within 90 days.

Chicago – Motor vehicle incidents are the leading cause of worker fatalities, and NIOSH Director John Howard said it is time to “unravel” the excuses and contributing factors that allow the trend to continue.

Washington – Cutting the budgets of government safety agencies could lead to more unsafe workplaces, more injuries and higher costs for businesses, according to a new report from the Center for Effective Government.

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has withdrawn its 2007 proposal on entry-level training requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers and will begin a new rulemaking process.

Washington – The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration should better track the incidence rate of spills from cargo tank truck “wetlines” – the series of pipes used to load and unload liquids – to help identify risks, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office.

Seattle – Driving while using cell phones or other electronic devices may be more prevalent in Washington state than experts originally thought, according to preliminary data from the University of Washington.