U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SOON TO REQUIRE SPEED LIMITERS FOR HEAVY TRUCKS
According to the United States Department of Transportation (“US DOT”), a rule requiring that heavy trucks install and use a speed limiter may be in place as soon as October 2014.
83% OF MEXICAN TRUCK MILES IN THE U.S. HAPPEN IN TEXAS AND OTHER BORDER STATES
In 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect with the goal of increasing trade between the United States, Mexico and Canada. Part of NAFTA included opening up the border to Mexican and American trucks traveling to the opposite country for deliveries.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROPOSES NEW RULE IN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE TRUCKING INDUSTRY PAPERWORK WITH ELECTRONIC LOGBOOKS
On March 13, 2014, the US Department of Transportation (US DOT) issued an updated proposed rule to require the use of electronic log books, or Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs).
HOW SAFE IS YOUR HOME?
Often, our home is where we feel the safest. But, an accident can happen anywhere – even within our own homes.
MANUFACTURER OF PRADAXA FAILS TO FULLY DISCLOSE TEST RESULTS TO THE FDA
Pradaxa is used to prevent strokes in patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation, a heart-rhythm disorder. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) in 2010.
THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL PLANS TO RECOGNIZE APRIL 2014 AS DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH
According to the National Safety Council, 21% of 2012 crashes (or 1.2 million) involved talking on handheld or hands-free cell phones. The non-profit advocates that “hands-free is not risk-free” and as such, plans to recognize this upcoming April 2014 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
TEXAS THIRD IN NATION FOR BOATING DEATHS
Each year the US Coast Guard releases a study on recreational boating statistics for registrations, accidents, deaths and injuries.
STUDY PROVIDES EVIDENCE THAT NEW RESTART PROVISION FOR HOURS OF SERVICE FOR TRUCK DRIVERS HELPS TO MITIGATE FATIGUE
As part of a new Hours of Service Rule published in December, 2011 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers are now required to have at least two nighttime periods in their 34-hour break to “restart” their hours of service week.
HANDS-FREE APPLE CARPLAY RAISES DISTRACTED DRIVING CONCERNS
On Monday, March 3, Apple unveiled its new “CarPlay” system at the International Geneva Auto Show in Switzerland.
U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE OPENS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION OF GM RECALL
As reported by Reuters, New York Federal Prosecutors are investigating whether GM – the nation’s largest automaker – may be criminally responsible for failing to disclose model defects prior to the recall initiated last month.
