From Deregulation to Accountability: The Road to Safer Trucking

The trucking industry is a cornerstone of our economy, facilitating the transportation of goods and services across the nation. It plays a vital role in ensuring that store shelves are stocked, manufacturing lines are supplied, and essential services are provided. However, the industry's expansive reach also brings significant risks to road safety. Large commercial vehicles, by their sheer size and weight, pose substantial hazards to other road users if not operated by well-trained drivers.

Proper training for truck drivers is not merely a regulatory checkbox but a critical element in reducing accidents and safeguarding lives. Thorough and comprehensive training is a matter of life and death on our highways.

The Importance of Behind-the-Wheel Training

Behind-the-wheel training is not just a matter of common sense; it is supported by scientific evidence. Multiple studies have shown a direct correlation between increased training for drivers and improved safety on the road. For instance, a study by a researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Stout found a direct link between the length of formal training, including required time behind the wheel, and the driving records of those drivers receiving that training. Even small minimums make a difference. The same study revealed that drivers with 7-9 weeks of training and limited driving experience had accident records comparable to drivers with 10 years of driving experience but no formal training.

Unfortunately, the decrease in the minimum time behind-the-wheel requirements disregards clear data. Instituting these training requirements is in the best interest of everyone on the road. The evidence is clear: more training leads to safer driving.

Holding Companies Accountable for Poor Training

The trucking industry is well aware that behind-the-wheel training saves lives. An annual survey conducted by Liberty Mutual Insurance identified truckers with a lower-than-median crash rate, showing that companies in this group had an average crash rate 42% lower than the national median. The survey found that among the trucking companies with a lower crash rate, 80% employed some form of in-vehicle training.

Despite this overwhelming data, trucking companies continue to lobby for deregulation. The industry's influence is not a new phenomenon. For decades, trucking lobbies have poured millions of dollars into efforts to deregulate the industry. In 2006, the New York Times dubbed trucking "America's most treacherous industry," as measured by deaths and injuries from truck accidents. This label came in response to regulations being loosened at that time.

Unfortunately, the situation has worsened. The National Safety Council reports that trucking-related accidents have increased by 49% in the last 10 years, while training requirements for truck drivers have only decreased. This disparity harms American motorists every day, and our firm fights to bridge that gap by holding companies accountable for their training standards.

The Consequences of Deregulation

The deregulation of the trucking industry has led to a significant increase in accidents and fatalities. As training requirements have been relaxed, the number of trucking-related accidents has risen dramatically. This trend highlights the critical need for stringent training standards and robust regulatory oversight.

The impact of deregulation extends beyond individual accidents. It creates a ripple effect, endangering all road users and placing a significant burden on emergency services and healthcare systems. By advocating for stricter training requirements and holding companies accountable, we can work towards a safer and more responsible trucking industry.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Regulations

In response to the need for standardized training, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. These regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers seeking to:

• Obtain a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for the first time;
• Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
• Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

The ELDT regulations, effective from February 7, 2022, are designed to ensure that new drivers meet a minimum standard of competence and safety before operating commercial vehicles. These regulations are not retroactive, meaning individuals who were issued a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement before this date are not required to complete the new training requirements. Additionally, applicants who obtained a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) prior to February 7, 2022, and obtained a CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires, are exempt from the ELDT requirements.

Training Provider Registry

The FMCSA Training Provider Registry is a critical component of the ELDT regulations. This registry maintains records of which CDL applicants have completed the new training and certification process. All training providers, including motor carriers, must register with the FMCSA to be recognized as eligible providers of entry-level driver training. This ensures that all training programs meet the federal standards set forth by the FMCSA, providing a consistent and reliable measure of training quality across the industry.

The Role of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21)

The ELDT regulations and the Training Provider Registry were mandated under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). This legislation was enacted to enhance safety and efficiency in the transportation sector. The ELDT final rule was based on consensus recommendations from the FMCSA’s Entry-Level Driver Training Advisory Committee (ELDTAC), a negotiated rulemaking committee that held a series of meetings in 2015. The ELDTAC brought together industry stakeholders to develop comprehensive training standards that would improve road safety.

Impact on Road Safety & the Industry

The implementation of ELDT regulations is a significant step towards improving the safety of our roads. By ensuring that all new commercial drivers receive standardized and thorough training, the FMCSA aims to reduce the number of accidents involving large trucks and buses. This is particularly important given the substantial role that motor carriers play in the nation’s economy. According to the FMCSA’s 2017 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics, motor carriers account for 64% of the total weight of freight moved in the United States.

The daily uninterrupted flow of goods, services, and passengers across the country relies on the efficient and safe delivery of these commodities. The safety rules governing the industry help protect not only the general traveling public but also the people who work in the industry. By standardizing the training requirements for entry-level drivers, the ELDT regulations contribute to a safer and more reliable transportation system.

Protecting Commercial Truck Drivers & Other Road Users

The safety of our roads depends on the training and accountability of those who operate large commercial vehicles. The data is unequivocal: more training leads to fewer accidents and safer roads. However, despite the clear evidence supporting the benefits of thorough behind-the-wheel training, the trucking industry continues to face challenges due to deregulation and insufficient training standards.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has taken significant steps to address these issues through the implementation of Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. These regulations set a baseline for training requirements for new drivers and those seeking to upgrade their qualifications, ensuring a minimum standard of competence and safety. While the ELDT regulations are a step in the right direction, they must be consistently enforced and supported by the industry to be truly effective.

The trucking industry must prioritize safety over profits by investing in comprehensive training programs and adhering to stringent standards. Lawmakers and regulatory bodies must resist the pressure from powerful lobbying groups and focus on policies that protect all road users. Only by working together can we create a safer environment for everyone who shares our roads.