CVSA Gaurdian 3rd Quarter 2011

Volume 18, Issue 3 Third Quarter 2011

About the cover:

Table of ContentsInsight

President’s Message ......................................................................................................1Executive Director’s Message ..........................................................................................2Letters to the Editor ........................................................................................................3The Legislative Rundown ................................................................................................5Knowledge Matters ........................................................................................................7

Federal NewsAsk the Administrator ......................................................................................................8FMCSA Names Five to Truck-Safety Committee ................................................................9NTC News Briefs ..........................................................................................................10NTSB Reviews Progress, Discusses Current, Emerging Issues

At Large Truck and Bus Safety Forum........................................................................11NTSB Announces Top 10 List To Reduce Transportation Accidents and Save Lives ............11

CVSA NewsMore Than A Competition: NAIC's History Steeped In

Developing Future Leaders, Strengthening Industry, Enforcement Partnerships............12CVSA Urges Use of Emerging Technologies for Radioactive Materials Shipments ..............15CVSA Joins World Partners in Support of U.N. Decade of Action ....................................16 European Union Mandates Roadside Inspections by January 1st, 2012 ............................16Operation Safe Driver Program Spreads the Word About

Educating Youth on Safe Driving Around Large Trucks, Buses ....................................17Staff News: Gildea Joins CVSA as Director of Policy and Government Affairs ....................17

Cover Story/FeatureCVSA’s Roadcheck Keeps Commercial Vehicle Safety in Check ........................................18Yukon Territory Participates for First 48 Consecutive Hour Roadcheck ..................................19Manitoba Infrastructure & Transportation’s Motor Carrier Division

Ensures Passenger Safety Through Bus Inspections ....................................................19

Inspector’s Corner ..................................................................................................20

Committee NewsPitts Enterprise Issues Recall for ABS Issue As a Result of CVSA Petition to NHTSA ..........21Avoiding Wheel Loss By Installing Them Right the First Time ..........................................22Comings & Goings: CVSA Announces Committee Chair Updates ....................................23

Regional NewsSouth Carolina Implements New Intrastate CMV Program

Designed to Make State Roads Safer ........................................................................24Ten States Recognized As a Nationwide Leaders in Reducing Truck Crashes........................25New State-of-the-Art Weigh Station Employs New Technologies to

Help South Carolina Focus on Non-Compliant Motor Carriers ....................................26Spotlight on Idaho State Police's Commercial Vehicle Safety, HazMat Division ..................27Nebraska State Patrol Identifies Need, Develops Post Crash Inspection Course ................28Washington State Police Address CMV Safety Concerns on Rails and Roads ....................30Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks in Utah ..................................................................30Michigan State Police Increase Truck Enforcement Operations ........................................31Florida Motor Carrier Compliance Office Conducts Motor Coach

Inspection Detail in Orlando ....................................................................................31Pittsburgh Police Team Up With York Canadian Police to Conduct

Commercial Vehicle Blitz ..........................................................................................32Grand Prairie, Texas, Police Department Joins CVSA ......................................................32

Regional Rap ............................................................................................................33

Associate Member News Operation Lifesaver Unveils Rail Safety Challenge: A “Virtual” Learning Program for

Professional Truck Drivers ........................................................................................36ATRI Releases Updated Operational Costs of Trucking Report..........................................37Comments on Crash Data Guidelines Sought Traffic Records

Forum Meeting Date and Location Set by GHSA ......................................................38Newly-Developed Load Binders Used With Chain Tie Downs Standard Released ..............38

RAD Inspection News ............................................................................................39

GuardianPublished by:Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance

6303 Ivy Lane, Suite 310Greenbelt, MD 20770-6319

Phone: (301) 830-6143Fax: (301) 830-6144www.cvsa.org

Dedicated to government and industry workingtogether to promote commercial vehicle safetyon North American highways.

HEADQUARTERS STAFF

Stephen A. KepplerExecutive Director

Collin B. Mooney, CAEDeputy Executive Director

Larry D. SternDirector, Level VI Inspection Program

Richard D. HendersonDirector, Government Affairs

Adrienne GildeaDirector, Policy and Government Affairs

William P. SchaeferDirector, Vehicle Programs

Randy J. WestDirector, Driver Programs

Laura M. ZabriskieDirector, Communications and Marketing

Iris R. LeonardManager, Program Services

J. Craig DefibaughController

Wanica L. ForemanAdministrative Assistant

For comments, suggestions or information,please email us at [email protected].

Guardian is a publication of the Commercial VehicleSafety Alliance and the Federal Motor Carrier SafetyAdministration.

Maine State PoliceMotor CarrierSupervisor PatrickPlourde applies theCVSA decal on a commercial vehicle during Roadcheck2011.

Third Quarter 2011 www.cvsa.org

Guardian

As I write my last Guardian article asCVSA President, I wanted to envisionwhat I see for the future. So many thingsare progressing with technology that it isdifficult to know what tomorrow willbring. Last week I heard someone referto “decals” as “so 1970's.” Of course ifthat is true we are definitely not a pro-gressive organization since the decals’history began in the 1980's, but the pointof the statement has merit. CVSA'sfuture will likely not include a paperdecal, and technology will continue toconfront and require inspectors toembrace their benefits.

Regardless of what advanced tech-nology brings, I will make one boldprediction: Inspectors will still be thekey to an effective enforcement pro-gram. We must never forget that tech-nology is designed to enhance theeffectiveness of both the driver andinspector. But, as long as vehicles areoperated by people, and not machines,face-to-face contact with an inspectorwill have an impact that technologycannot replicate.

This month, CVSA will again hostthe North American InspectorsChampionship (NAIC) and I find it atimely event for this discussion.Throughout our history, CVSA hasunderstood that the key to safety isconsistent, thorough roadside inspec-tions and NAIC is the organization'sopportunity to honor the best of thebest inspectors. As representativesfrom around North America will gath-er, more than just a competition ortraining will happen. NAIC repre-sents the lifeblood of which CVSAwas and is in the future. We representroadside inspectors with a mission ofensuring industry is operating safely

through enforcement and education.That focus has been the same since thebeginning of CVSA and will live intothe future as well.

Another event that underscores theimpact of uniformity in roadsideinspections is Roadcheck. One week tothe day before our annual kick off inVirginia, a horrible tragedy occurred inthat state. A bus driver, way over hishours of service and fatigued, fellasleep on I-95 causing the bus to strikea guard rail, tip to its side before slam-ming into a pole sheering it from endto end. In the end, several passengerswere injured and 14 were killed.CVSA strongly believes that this fatalcrash, and numerous others, could havebeen prevented if law enforcementwere permitted to inspect these busesand their drivers – enroute – duringtheir trip. Predictably, some interestsoppose enroute inspections. While werespect their differing opinions, CVSAmembers stand united in voicing ourbelief that enroute inspections are a

critical tool to aid law enforcement inhelping to root out and take aggressiveaction on the illegal and unsafe com-mercial operators. Our Vice PresidentMaj. David Palmer, with the help ofCVSA's staff, prepared and presentedtestimony in June before the HouseTransportation and InfrastructureCommittee outlining ways to improvebus safety. In addition, The Hill maga-zine recently published our op-ed inreiterating our position.

Before wrapping up my thoughts, Iwant to take a moment to recognizethe CVSA staff that I have had thepleasure to work with this past year.Most of you will never know theamount of time and effort that ourstaff puts into what they do, but theteam that is assembled has never beenbetter or more effective at maximizingour voice and resources. We are privi-leged to have Steve Keppler as ourExecutive Director and if you will takethe time to reflect on the progress hehas made for the organization in theshort time he has been in this new role,I think you will be pleased.

Other associations have money andresources, but CVSA has an outstandingreputation and staff that make us a voicethat is consistently requested to representsafety. That reputation is due to thepureness of our cause, safety, and thecharacter of our people. As AbrahamLincoln once said, “Character is like atree and reputation like a shadow. Theshadow is what we think of it; the tree isthe real thing.” With that in mind, I seegreat things in our future.

Thank you for allowing me theopportunity to represent this outstand-ing organization; it has been my distincthonor and privilege!

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I N S I G H T

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Inspectors Key To Effective EnforcementBy Capt. Steve Dowling, CVSA President

Capt. Steve Dowling

The last few months have been a blur.There are major safety issues on the tableand impacts on its future that are hangingin the balance, everything from EOBRs,Hours of Service, Bus Safety, CSA, theCross Border Pilot Program, Roadability,Training, Safety Rating Reciprocity,Transportation Reauthorization, Funding,etc. etc. etc. This, coupled with the strug-gling economy and the recent tragicweather events that have occurred acrossthe continent can be viewed by some aspainting somewhat of a bleak picture.Indeed, for those that have been affected itmost certainly is and our hearts go out tothem and their families and loved onesand wish them all the best for a quickreturn to normalcy.

It is out of difficult and trying timesthat stars are born. Effective leadershiprequires a steady hand and an ability tostay the course and staying true to yourprinciples. In light of this, I recently hadthe chance to experience CVSA’s keyprinciples (Uniformity and Reciprocity)and organizational values (Integrity,Professionalism, Leadership andTeamwork) in action. This was all ondisplay at the Roadcheck media kickoffevent on June 7 in the suburbs ofWashington, DC in Dumfries, Virginia.The event, hosted by the Virginia StatePolice, brought together a number of key

stakeholders to champion and celebratethe embodiment of what is the roadsideinspection program. There were over 15media outlets present and our messagewas loud and clear - we are out there dayand night and are having measurableimpacts on countless lives. By we I amtalking not just about enforcement, butalso industry. A number of members andassociate members were in attendance atthe event, and it was exciting to seeeveryone clearly engaged and focused onthe goal of saving lives.

The great thing about Roadcheck iswhat was going on in Virginia was goingon in countless places all across the con-tinent. It is very powerful and moving toknow that over that three-day period

there are 10,000 inspectors workingthemselves to the bone, and the amountof media attention that was generated asa result is nothing short of incredible.U.S. Transportation Secretary RayLaHood even blogged about it (go tohttp://fastlane.dot.gov/2011/06/road-check-2011.html.)

Now, WE all know that these inspec-tions go on each and every day – to thetune of close to four million per year –but the general public does not.Roadcheck is that one point in time dur-ing the year where the stars align and allthe work we do each and every day is ondisplay to the world. It is crisp, it is pure,and it is potent. It is an impressive sight,and I am privileged to be a part of it.

The great thing about this organiza-tion is we will get the opportunity see andexperience these principles and values ondisplay once again at the 2011 NorthAmerican Inspectors Championship inOrlando. We are extremely pleased tocontinue NAIC’s longstanding partner-ship with FMCSA, ATA and theNational Truck Driving Championships.If you have never had the chance to expe-rience NAIC and the NTDC, it is a trulyfantastic event and I encourage you toattend and participate, whether it is as acontestant or volunteer. It is an experi-ence you will never forget.

Roadcheck and NAIC clearlydemonstrate that the members not onlytalk the talk but walk the walk, and thatthere is strength in numbers. As we con-tinue to go through the rollercoaster ofups and downs and challenges that 2011has put before us, keep clarity of purpose,stay focused on results and empoweryour colleagues. As John F. Kennedyonce said, “Things do not happen.Things are made to happen.”

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Executive Director’s MessageBy Stephen A. Keppler, CVSA, Executive Director

Stephen A. Keppler

Roadcheck is that one point in time during the year

where the stars align and all the work we do

each and every day is on display to the world.

Young drivers and their passengers contin-ue to perish on North American highwaysat an alarmingly high rate. Often thesefatal crashes involve an encounter with alarge truck or bus. The result can be adeadly combination but it need not be.

There are several factors that often leadto a hazardous action that ultimately resultsin a serious or fatal crash involving a youngdriver. A general lack of knowledge abouthow to safely share the road with commer-cial vehicles, a propensity of the young driv-er to engage in various behaviors that distractthem from the task of driving, peer pressureto take risk, and a false sense of immortalityall can result in tragedy on the highway.

Many drivers, especially the young andinexperienced, do not understand theunique operating characteristics of largetrucks and buses. For example, on averageit takes a semi tractor-trailer 430 feet, or 91percent further than a passenger vehicle tostop while traveling at a speed of 55 milesper hour. Another example, many driversare not aware of the blind spots or ‘No-Zones’ in front of, behind, and on both

sides of a large truck. Consequently, youngdrivers in particular often place themselvesin a very vulnerable position around a truckwhere they are invisible to the truck driver.

Driver distraction continues to prolif-erate as a causation factor in more andmore deadly crashes, especially involvingyoung drivers. There is an ever increasingarray of electronic devices being placed inmotor vehicles. Young drivers, due totheir inexperience and their addiction to personal electronic communicationsdevices, are more prone to distractionwhile driving than any other age group.

As we all know from personal experi-ence, youth and a sense of immortality gohand in hand. Unfortunately, crash sta-tistics show that regardless of age, no oneis immortal or exempt from the manydangers inherent to motor vehicle travel.

Teens and trucks do not have to be adeadly combination. With the proper edu-

cation and mentoring, young drivers canlearn to safely share the road with all vehi-cles, including large trucks and buses. Theycan also become more in touch with theirown sense of vulnerability and mortality, theycan learn to more effectively deal with peerpressure, and they can learn to resist themany potential distractions available to themwhile driving. Yes, young drivers can safelyshare the road with commercial vehicles.

Programs such as the Teens andTrucks initiative developed by CVSA andits partners can be very effective in pro-viding young drivers with the knowledgethey need to avoid a deadly confrontationwith a large truck or bus. For more infor-mation about the Teens and Trucks pro-gram please contact CVSA at 202-775-1623 or on the web at www.cvsa.org.

Capt. Bob Powers (ret.)Michigan State Police

I decided to write you about both anindividual and an organization that I feelgoes above and beyond [in promotinghighway safety] - Sgt. James "Buckie"Thomas and his organization, theArkansas Highway Police.

The trucking industry within Arkansasis extremely fortunate to have a greatworking relationship with the ArkansasHighway Police. This is easily accom-plished since we share the same goal inensuring commercial vehicles and driversare safely operating on our state highways.Chief Ron Burks and his staff have alwaysbeen supportive to our industry and eachyear, in a collaborated effort, we conduct

the Inspector's Competition and the statetruck driving championship. In addition,numerous members of the ArkansasHighway Police, to include Sgt. Thomas,have provided training to our associationand served as guest speakers during ourSafety Management Council meetings.

With the onset of CSA, our companybegan educating our drivers to include theproduction of a video for our January 2011safety meeting. In order to stress the impor-tance of CSA, and capture the audience, wefelt we needed someone who was an author-ity on the subject; a great communicator;and someone who the drivers would listento. Immediately we thought of Sgt.Thomas

and made the request for his assistance.True to form, the Arkansas Highway

Police responded allowing Sgt. Thomas toparticipate. The end result was the produc-tion of an informative, educational and com-prehensive video concerning CSA whichwas instrumental in helping us educate ourdrivers. You will find no better organizationthan the Arkansas Highway Police or a bet-ter representative of the type officer you wanton our highways inspecting our drivers andequipment than Sgt.Thomas.

Sam Cates, Director of Safety and SecurityABF Freight System, Inc.

Guardian

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Arkansas Highway Police, Industry Share Safety Goal

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I N S I G H T

CVSA’s Guardian welcomes your letters and comments. To submit a letter, send anemail to [email protected] or write to CVSA, c/o Guardian, 6303 Ivy Lane,Suite 310, Greenbelt, MD 20770-6319.

Teens And Trucks - A Deadly Combination

Sgt. James “Buckie” Thomas

In order to save money in these challeng-ing economic times, states are focusingtheir attention on closing safety restareas. However, there is already a severeshortage of truck parking throughout thecountry. Without a safe and legal placeto park, truck drivers must decidebetween continuing to drive whilefatigued or find an illegal, possibly unsafelocation to rest.

Safety rest stops can not only helpreduce the incidents of motorists whodrive while fatigued, but they can also

help minimize accidents caused by “dis-tracted drivers.” The term refers tomotorists who continue to drive whiletexting, talking on the phone in general,or looking up directions. Many truckdrivers who cannot find a legal place topark resort to stopping on highway orramp shoulders. Too often, a seriousinjury or fatality results when a car crash-es into the parked vehicle.

Studies by FMCSA indicate thattruck driver fatigue could be a factor inup to 40 percent of truck crashes and

play a significant role in almost a third offatal crashes involving truck drivers.When truck drivers approach their fed-erally required driving-time limits andsearch for a safe, legal place to rest, it isincumbent on government agencies toensure that they have that opportunity.

There are also commercial issuesinvolved. Limiting truckers’ access toconvenient and safe places where theycan rest can result in late deliveries,increasing customers’ costs -- costswhich will be passed on to consumers.


As an Alliance, we all know the last fewyears have been tough for many of ourmembers - both industry and enforcementalike. The economy has challenged all ofus to do more with less. We have seengood members retire as state and localgovernments have reduced services, andsafe and effective transportation compa-nies close their doors. Indeed, this reces-sion has challenged all of us to re-thinkhow we operate regardless of whether weare in government or industry.

Unfortunately, in the next few years, theAlliance and its membership will continueto be challenged with significant obstaclesthat will test the Alliance’s ability to suc-ceed. Law enforcement will continue to befaced with challenges to our already thinand overworked resources. Some may findopportunity in reducing the budgets ofsafety enforcement agencies that performlife saving work across North America. Atthe same time, many will see the constrict-ing economy as an opportunity to challengethe regulatory environment as being toostrict. Already the national and local polit-ical environment has been less friendlytowards regulation, including CMV safetyregulation. These trends will continue.

It is a known fact that for law

enforcement, our current operationalenvironment is changing rapidly;whether you are an inspector or a pro-gram manager, we are all being asked togo farther, accomplish more, innovateand become more effective with fewerresources. Remarkably, due to the dedi-cated work of our members, we havedone exactly that.

The next five years will be critical tothe Alliance’s success. As an Alliance, wemust identify and address these potentialchallenges, because an issue in one juris-diction, whether it be a regulatory com-pliance issue such as EOBR/CSA or afiscal issue like shrinking budgets, is like-ly not unique to that jurisdiction. Tosucceed the Alliance must:1. Explore opportunities to increase, not

only the effectiveness of the commu-nication, but also the size of the audi-ence. We need to engage all membersand external stakeholders in more fre-quent and effective dialog.

2. Increase the value of the Alliance forall stakeholders by continuing ourimportant work on our core princi-ples, such as international uniformity,reciprocity and consistency in theapplication of our daily activities.

3. Understand the importance of suc-cession training and planning forleadership within the Alliance.

4. Identify and form strong partnershipswith all stakeholders both in NorthAmerica and abroad in an effort tolearn and share success.Admittedly, the Alliance and its

membership will be faced with signifi-cant obstacles in the next few years; how-ever, we are also in a unique position tonot only overcome these obstacles butalso grow. We can do this by educatingthe communities that we serve about ourunique partnership and its effectiveness.

CVSA staff understands this andactively promotes our collective interests todecision makers. CVSA staff has recentlybeen doing a remarkable job of advocatingfor our interests on Capitol Hill inWashington, D.C. If you had the oppor-tunity to listen to Vice President Palmer inmid-June you are aware of his excellent tes-timony in front of the House. He did agreat job representing us all. However, histestimony was not a singular effort; he waswell prepared by an educated and involvedCVSA staff that clearly knew the issues.

But advocating in Washington, D.C.alone will not be enough. We must face

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Closing Safety Rest Areas Severely Impacts Drivers – Especially Truckers

OP-ED

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The LegislativeRundownBy Richard D. Henderson

CVSA, Director, Government Affairs

Passage of Six Year ReauthorizationBill This Year Is in Doubt

On the House Side – Rep. John Mica,Chairman of the House Transportationand Infrastructure Committee, as of thiswriting, continues to say that he willintroduce his bill within the next week or10 days. The measure is expected toauthorize an overall funding level of$219 billion which is $60 billion lessthan what SAFETEA-LU authorized.

We don’t yet know (until we see thecopy of the bill) whether this means thatauthorized funding levels for MCSAPand the other state safety grant programswill be reduced from 2010 levels (highestlimits under SAFETEA-LU). At vari-ous hearings, including the most recentbus safety hearing held by the HouseTransportation and InfrastructureCommittee (during which CVSA was awitness), Chairman Mica has said thathe wants to be sure that state enforce-ment agencies are provided the tools andresources needed to do their job. So, wecan only hope that at least the currentlevel of funding will be maintained.

The big question (as of this writing)is whether Chairman Mica will actuallyintroduce the bill and report it out of hisCommittee without assurances from theHouse Republican Leadership thatHouse Floor time will be scheduled fordiscussion, debate, and a final vote on thebill by the end of July, or at the latest, bySeptember 30, 2011 when the currentextension of SAFETEA-LU expires.The unresolved issue of increasing theFederal debt limit may consume most ofthe available House floor time. If he wereto circulate his bill, and/or introduce itwithout such assurances, he could runthe risk of having his bill subject to

review and criticism for an indefiniteperiod of time. On the other hand, theChairman and his Committee staff haveworked consistently and diligently towrite a bill since January of this year. Anumber of Committee hearings wereheld across the country culminating with a two-day marathon hearing inWashington, D.C. He may want tointroduce a bill as evidence to his col-leagues in the Congress and the publicthat he is doing his part to draft a billthat takes into account the current fiscalconstraints that are affecting allCongressional legislative activity and yetmaintains the “core” needs of a nationalsurface transportation program.

On the Senate Side – Sen. BarbaraBoxer, Chairman of the SenateCommittee on Environment and PublicWorks that has jurisdiction over the high-way titles of a Reauthorization bill hassaid that she is close to releasing a bill.Until recently, she has talked almostexclusively about a six-year bill. However,within the past week, she has indicatedthat maybe a two-year bill would be morefeasible that would at least maintain cur-rent funding levels (Mica’s six-year billhas to be at reduced funding levelsbecause of Highway Trust Fund revenueconstraints). It should be noted that evenfunding for a two-year bill could not besustained at current levels unless another$12 billion is “infused” to the HighwayTrust Fund. Sen. Boxer has said she isworking with Senate Finance CommitteeChairman, Sen. Max Baucus, to come upwith proposals to make up for the esti-mated $12 billion shortfall.

The Senate Commerce Committee,which has jurisdiction over the motorcarrier safety title of a reauthorization

Richard Henderson

our threats head-on by advocating forour work at the federal, state, provin-cial and local level. As members, weneed to highlight our strengths andeducate those who simply do notunderstand the value of our Allianceand our critical public safety work.We must proactively educate all ofour stakeholders about the importantwork we do, so that when budgets arecut or logical safety-based regulationis threatened we are in position tosuccessfully defend ourselves.

In many cases our enforcementagencies are limited in our ability toimpact change, but this is exactly thebenefit of the Alliance. By formingstrong partnerships with industryand other law enforcement organi-zations, we can leverage those rela-tionships to strengthen our pro-grams, the Alliance and accomplishour goals of improving traffic safety.

Maj. Mark SavageColorado State Patrol

Maj. Savage has been with the ColoradoState Patrol for 16 years and is currentlynominated as CVSA’s Secretary/Treasurer.

When states close safety reststops, they are putting lives at risk inorder to achieve what amounts toextremely small savings within theiroverall budgets. The low investmentneeded to maintain safety rest areaswill yield significant safety and eco-nomic benefits, and these short-sighted approaches must be aban-doned.

Shazia NoreenAmerican Trucking Associations

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bill, is reportedly working on a two yearbill, but there are no indications as towhen it might be introduced. In an ear-lier Legislative Update, we reported thatthe Commerce Committee has takenaction and voted a bus safety bill out ofCommittee.

Likely Outcome for ReauthorizationThis Year – Despite Chairman Mica’sbest efforts, there are signals from theHouse Leadership (Speaker andMajority Leader) that a new six-yearsurface transportation bill is not on the“front burner” at this time. Rep. Micahimself has shown no interest in pursu-ing a shorter two-year bill. Sen. Boxer’sCommittee may well report out a two-year bill after another round of hearings,but the bill would be unlikely to come to

a vote on the Senate Floor, until theHouse passed their version of aReauthorization bill, and as mentionedabove, that is unlikely.

Thus, the odds are against Congresspassing either a six- or two-year trans-portation bill by September 30 of thisyear when the current extension ofSAFETEA-LU expires.

What Might Pass, if Anything – TheSenate Commerce Committee reportedout a bus safety bill (S. 453) in earlyMay. At that markup, Sen. Lautenberg,Chairman of the Surface TransportationSubcommittee, and Ranking Member,Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, both saidthey were committed to getting that billpassed this year. Late last year, an effortwas made to pass a bus safety bill undersuspension of the rules by a voice voteon the Senate floor if all 100 Senatorsagreed. One member of Senate put a“hold” on the bill preventing passage.This time around, the bill would likelygo the conventional route of being sentto the Senate for debate, discussion, andpossible amendments, or become part ofanother SAFETEA-LU extension eventhough SAFETEA-LU extensions thusfar have been “clean” extensions.

The question then becomes whatother safety measures may be added tothe bus bill, and will it in fact turn into amini-motor carrier safety bill, perhapsnot including all of the issues that wouldotherwise be included as part of a fullsix-year bill, but nevertheless containingsome safety policy issues that would berevenue neutral such as bus safety, grantstreamlining, and Maintenance-of-Effort (MOE) reform. We will have abetter idea of what the scenario will beduring the month of July.

FY 2012 AppropriationsThe House Appropriations Subcommitteeon Transportation and Housing andUrban Development is scheduled toreport out an FY 2012 funding bill onJuly 14. The overall Subcommittee allo-cations are based on a House Resolutionthat is based on the so-called Ryanbudget (Rep. Ryan’s earlier proposal tocut the overall DOT budget by 35%).However, the Subcommittee has discre-tion to move funding around within itsoverall allocation. The following scenar-ios are possible. The Subcommitteecould cut motor carrier safety fundingback to the levels of 2006 or 2008. Thereis also the possibility that motor carriersafety programs would be funded at cur-rent levels. This is because MCSAP isnot a controversial program and did notexperience a sharp spike in funding overthe last few years.

UCR 2012 Carrier Registration FeesAt its recent meeting on June 15 in ParkCity, Utah, the UCR Board voted tokeep the current fee structure in place for2012. Plans are to start sending the 2012registration notices beginning October 1,of this year.

Bus Safety Hearing On June 13 CVSA Vice-President,David Palmer delivered testimony onbehalf of CVSA before the HouseTransportation and InfrastructureCommittee on ways to improve bussafety. In addition, CVSA drafted anOp-Ed piece that was published inthe Congressional news daily, TheHill. As you can see bus safety hasbecome an important issue forenforcement, the Congress, and thetraveling public.

GuardianI N S I G H T

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As Chief Safety Officer and AssistantAdministrator, Mr. Van Steenburg servesas the agency’s chief safety advocate pro-moting partnerships with federal, stateand local governments and provides direc-tion over all national commercial vehiclesafety programs. This is one of threecareer positions that require Presidentialapproval at the U.S. Department ofTransportation. Prior to his appointmentin May 2011, as Chief Safety Officer andAssistant Administrator, Jack VanSteenburg served as the Director ofFMCSA’s Office of Enforcement andCompliance since May 2008. In thatposition, he led all enforcement programsthat contribute to commercial vehicletransportation nationwide.

Before coming to FMCSA, Mr. VanSteenburg retired from the New York StatePolice after serving 25 years holding theranks of Trooper, Sergeant, Lieutenant,Captain, Major and Staff Inspector. One ofthe highlights of his career was being elect-ed the president of the CommercialVehicle Safety Alliance and serving on itsexecutive committee for 10 years.

Mr. Van Steenburg has received anassociate’s degree in Criminal Justicefrom Hudson Valley CommunityCollege, bachelor’s degree in Accountingfrom Plattsburgh State University and amaster’s degree in Public Administrationfrom Marist College.

Question: What in your backgroundhas prepared you to take on the roleof FMCSA’s Chief Safety Officer?

Answer: Proudly, my career has beenfocused exclusively on making our roadssafe for all users. Being Chief SafetyOfficer is a natural progression for me,and I don’t take a minute of it for granted.

During my 25-year career in the NewYork State Police, I professionalized thecommercial motor vehicle unit. Later myinvolvement with CVSA gave me a fullerappreciation of the commercial motorvehicle industry. CVSA also allowed meto see what my counterparts were doingin other states and my 10 years of activeparticipation on the CVSA ExecutiveCommittee led me to an opportunity tointeract with the federal government.Throughout my career, I have seizedopportunities to promote highway safety.

My willingness to get involved openeddoors that led me to where I am now andwhere I can make the greatest impact onsafe travel for the American people. I don’tlook for excuses when I see what needs toget done. I say, let’s do it, and not look forreasons not to do it. In the work of safety,we can’t afford to look the other way.

Question: What experience as astate trooper has stayed with you tothis day?

Answer: As a relatively new trooperback in 1986, I responded to a fiery carcrash very late on a Friday night thatresulted in the deaths of three youngpeople. The car traveled at 82 mphstraight into a tree. Nothing was left.Besides speeding, drinking alcoholcaused this tragedy. That night I had tomake four notifications to three sets ofparents. I will never forget the crashscene, the parents’ grief-stricken facesand my own feelings that night. It is aconstant reminder that what we do, allof us, is to continually improve highwaysafety and keep families intact.

Question: What are your goals forFMCSA and its safety agenda?

Answer: As Chief Safety Officer, I won’tbe at my desk 24/7. My goal is to get outand stay involved with our state partnersand with safety organizations wheneverand wherever possible. I want to strengthenour external network and build robust rela-tionships with groups like the Governor’sHighway Safety Association, the Interna-tional Association of Chiefs of Police, theAmerican Moving and Storage Association,the American Bus Association, the UnitedMotorcoach Association and the Inter-modal Association of North America.CVSA can still expect to see me at theirconferences, particularly COHMEDbecause the safe transportation of haz-ardous materials is an important areathat requires a high level of cooperationbetween federal, state and local agencies.

My plan is to get out to states asmuch as possible as I did recently at thelatest Roadcheck events in SouthCarolina and Georgia. At Roadcheck, Iwitnessed impressive actions by our fed-eral and state inspectors and progressivetechnology systems; folks doing the rightthings and getting results. In August, Iplan to attend the North AmericanInspectors Championship and theNational Truck Driver Championshipboth in Orlando. I am honored to repre-sent FMCSA and look forward to meet-ing the finest inspectors and drivers asthey compete with the best across NorthAmerica. Their dedication to safety con-tinues to inspire me.

KNOWLEDGE MATTERS

Safety Is Job One for Jack Van Steenburg

Pictured, from left to right: SC Department of PublicSafety Director Mark Keel; FMCSA AssistantAdministrator and Chief Safety Officer Jack VanSteenburg; SC State Transport Police Colonel NickMoore, and; SC State Transport Police Size &Weight Specialist Johnny Shuler.

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Federal Motor Carrier Safety Adminis-trator Anne S. Ferro answers your ques-tions. In this issue, the Administratordetails what the agency is doing toimprove motorcoach bus safety and pre-views upcoming CSA training on a newinvestigative tool for safety.

Question: How long will FMCSAcontinue the current emphasis onbus safety?

Answer: As you are no doubt aware, thisyear has been the worst period in recenthistory for motorcoach safety, with sixcrashes causing 25 deaths and numerousinjuries just since January. Over the pastfew months, you have been called uponto provide extra time and energy in ourall-out crackdown on dangerous and ille-gal passenger carriers.

You have performed more safetyinspections and compliance reviews dur-ing weekends, late nights and early morn-ings to stop the risk to passengers createdby unsafe and illegal motorcoach carriers.

First of all, thank you for rising to thechallenge. I sincerely appreciate your ded-ication to safety and the hard work andcountless hours involved in our relentless

efforts to find and shut down these irre-sponsible carriers and drivers.

The current emphasis on bus safetymust be considered the “new normal.” Wecannot let our guard down. These carriersare continually finding new ways to evadefederal safety regulations. Also, we cannotlet an emphasis on passenger carriers takeaway from our enforcement of unsafetrucks and truck drivers. Bus and trucksafety are both of the highest priority.

We need stronger authority fromCongress to make enforcement ofmotorcoach companies more effective.To do this, FMCSA has askedCongress for authority to 1) conducten-route bus inspections; not just atpoints of origin and destination; to 2)establish a federal “successor liability”standard to charge a new companywhen it reincarnates from an unsafecarrier; to 3) require pre-authority safe-ty audits before a company can receivepassenger carrier authority; to 4) raisethe penalty to $25,000 per violation forbus companies that attempt to operateillegally; and to 5) regulate ticket sell-ers, known as brokers, just like we dobrokers of freight and household goodscarriers. This additional authority can

tighten the safety net around unsafeoperators and drivers, preventing need-less injuries and deaths.

But we cannot wait for Congress tomove forward on bus safety. We mustcontinue to tighten safety standards andincrease the numbers of inspections andenforcement actions. Because of our out-standing partnership, since January,FMCSA has declared eighteen bus com-panies unsatisfactory and has proposedthat rating for another fifteen operators.In the first two weeks of May alone, weconducted more than 3,000 surpriseinspections and comprehensive safetyreviews of bus companies

The critical job of safety requires themost effective tools possible. Usingevery resource at our disposal, I am con-fident that we will improve passengercarrier and driver safety because the trav-eling public deserves not only affordablebut safe motorcoach bus services.

Question: What is happening nextwith CSA?

Answer: During the summer months,CSA enters its second phase when webegin training to use the “Safety Man-agement Cycle” as part of all investigations.

The safety management cycle is animportant tool for an investigator to usewhile meeting with a carrier. It helpsanalyze the breakdown in the processwhich caused the violation to occur.Often there may be several causes to aprocess breakdown and using this cyclehelps identify the variety of safety prob-lems that contribute to a violation.

The six management processes inthe safety management cycle include 1)policies and procedures, 2) roles andresponsibilities, 3) qualification and hir-

Ask the FMCSA Administrator

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ing, 4) training and communication, 5)monitoring and tracking, and 6) mean-ingful action.

During the FMCSA nine-state 30-month operational model test, whichconcluded in the summer of 2010, wefound that use of the safety managementcycle helped safety investigators andmotor carriers go beyond “what iswrong” to “why it is happening.”

In one example, using the safety man-agement cycle helped a Minnesota statepartner identify the cause of load secure-ment violations when the carrier couldnot stop them on his own and the causeof the problem was not apparent on thesurface of the investigation. According toPam DeGrote, an investigator with theMinnesota Department of Transporta-tion, “use of the safety management cycletool at a recent closeout interview helpeda carrier see that they needed bettertraining and communication of loadsecurement regulations for all their driv-ers.” In addition, Missouri Departmentof Transportation investigator SteffCopeland told FMCSA that “the SMCis a great tool to engage the carrier inself-awareness in recognizing the area ofa breakdown in process.”

Because of reports just like these fromour state colleagues, we strongly believethat the Safety Management Cycle willfacilitate faster and more sustainable cor-rective actions on the part of motor car-riers. We also find that some carriers usethe safety management cycle to getahead of driver or equipment issuesbefore a crash or violation occurs.

Training of federal and state inves-tigators on the safety managementcycle begins in July and runs throughSeptember. I hope everyone can takeadvantage of this useful training. Thesafety management cycle tool will sure-ly improve compliance, and through itswidespread use, save lives as a result.

Thank you for your diligence to oursafety mission. The work you do makessafe travel possible and I value the con-tributions made by each of our state andlocal partners!

FMCSA Names Five to Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee

FMCSA has appointed five new members to its Motor Carrier Safety AdvisoryCommittee (MCSAC), a committee established by Congress in 2006 to provide theagency with advice and recommendations on motor carrier safety programs andregulations.

The five new MCSAC members are: • Robert Abbott, Vice President, Safety Policy, American Trucking Assns. (ATA) • Paul Claunch, Major, Arkansas Highway Police • Henry Jasny, Vice President and senior counsel, Advocates for Highway and

Auto Safety • Janice Mulanix, Asst. Chief, California Highway Patrol • Calvin Studivant, motorcoach driver, Community Coach, Inc.

“MCSAC is a vital resource for bringing a full and broad range of safety ideas tothe table,” said Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood in a statement. “These indi-viduals are committed to the challenge of reducing, and ultimately eliminating, fatalcrashes involving large trucks and buses. I thank them for their service to our county.”

Composed of 19 members overall, MCSAC includes representatives fromnational safety organizations, the trucking and bus industries, state law enforce-ment agencies, labor unions, and the commercial insurance sector, said FMCSAAdministrator Anne Ferro.

“They also symbolize the critical necessity of everyone coming together tomove our safety-first mission forward,” Ferro noted. “Their work is helping to savelives every day.”


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NTC NEWS BRIEFS

Travel Made EasyBy Joe DeLorenzo, FMCSA, Director, National Training Center

Our most valuable resource at theNational Training Center is ourinstructors. Without these extraordi-nary people, we couldn’t do the impor-tant work we do. As part of an initia-tive to provide them with the best pos-sible support, we have made a top pri-ority of ensuring that they travel totheir destinations on schedule andwithout complications.

Improved CommunicationsWe’ve improved the way we commu-nicate with instructors on travel.Email communication has now beenstandardized. All travel-related emailis now being sent to a centralizedmailbox [email protected].

Travel Status LogA centralized Travel Status Log, acces-sible to both the Travel Specialist andCourse Specialists, has been established.It allows our travel team to respond toinstructor questions right away. If youhave a travel-related question or con-cern, please email [email protected].

Traveler InformationOur newly produced NTC TravelerInformation brochure provides impor-tant information that every NTC trav-eler should know - how to indicateflight preferences, federal policy on carrentals, and many other areas. Anelectronic version of the brochure isnow being sent to instructors alongwith their Travel Authorizations. Aprinted version of the brochure is alsoavailable upon request.

Instructor CertificationThe NTC Instructor CertificationProgram is designed to prepare partic-

ipants to instruct on behalf of NTC.The certification process is dividedinto two phases:• Phase 1: The candidate completes

an NTC Instructor Developmentclass (or NTC-approved equiva-lent).

• Phase 2: The candidate is evalu-ated by an NTC Master Instructorin the instruction of a course forwhich he/she is seeking certifica-tion.

Over the last year, NTC has graduatedtwo Instructor Development classes andtwo Master Instructor Developmentclasses.

The remaining classes this fiscalyear are:• August 1, 2011 – NTC

Instructor Development• September 2, 2011 – NTC

Instructor Development

For more information on the NTCInstructor Certification Program andInstructor/Master Instructor Develop-ment training, please contact JohnWaters at [email protected].

CSA Update There are a number of Compliance - Safety- Accountability (CSA) events taking placethis summer and continuing throughautumn. In mid-June, CSA instructor can-didates came together for InstructorDevelopment training, as well as training inthe delivery of:• CSA Policy Update to Federal and

State officers, and • Safety Management Cycle to all those

involved in investigations of motorcarriers.

CSA instructor candidates were alsogiven an overview of Electronic Mappingand Monitoring Technology (EMMT),including how it can be investigated fromboth the roadside and the company-investi-gation perspective.

The CSA training schedule has beenfinalized and disseminated to all FMCSADivision Offices and Service Centers.Training will begin July 12th and runthrough September.

For further information, contact yourState’s FMCSA Division Office or theNational Training Center.

EMMT ProjectNTC is developing two courses onElectronic Mapping and MonitoringTechnology.

EMMT Basic Awareness will be atwo-hour course geared to State person-nel responsible for conducting commer-cial motor vehicle inspections to includeparticipants of the North AmericanInspectors Championship.

EMMT Basics, Investigative Processand Application of Policies will be a four-hour course designed for Safety Investigatorsand State personnel responsible for conduct-ing compliance reviews.

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On May 10-11, 2011, the NationalTransportation Safety Board (NTSB) con-vened a public forum to review the progressthat has been made in large truck and bussafety since the agency held a series of pub-lic hearings on the same topic in 1999-2000.Among other objectives of the forum werediscussions of current and emerging issuesand initiatives.

Day 1 included sessions on carrier over-sight and the determination of carrier safe-ty fitness by federal, state, and industryorganizations; truck operations issues, suchas electronic onboard recorders, hours ofservice, and safety culture; and bus opera-tions, including discussions on the safety ofthe curbside and low-cost bus industry.

Day 2 focused on four additional con-cerns: driver safety, including driver crashrisk factors and approaches for increasingdriver safety; the state of driver health andwellness programs and progress towardcomprehensive medical oversight for inter-state commercial drivers; the state ofenhanced vehicle technologies, includingcrash avoidance technologies such as elec-tronic stability control and collision avoid-

ance systems; and advances in crash mitiga-tion, such as passenger restraints, vehiclecrashworthiness, vehicle compatibility, andhighway barrier systems.

Although presiding Board MemberRobert L. Sumwalt acknowledged in hisopening statement that, from 2005 to2009, there has been a steady drop in thefatality rate due to heavy vehicle accidents,he reminded participants that each datapoint recorded in the Fatality AnalysisReporting System represented a familymember who will never again come hometo loved ones.

The forum was attended by representa-tives from government, industry, and advo-cacy groups, including Advocates forHighway and Auto Safety, the AmericanAssociation of Motor Vehicle Administrators,the American Association of State Highwayand Transportation Officials, the AmericanBus Association, the American TruckingAssociations, CVSA, the Federal HighwayAdministration, FMCSA, the GovernmentAccountability Office, the Insurance Institutefor Highway Safety, the InternationalBrotherhood of Teamsters, the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration, theNational Institute for Occupational Safetyand Health, the National Private TruckCouncil, the Owner-Operator IndependentDrivers Association, the Truck ManufacturersAssociation, the Truck Safety Coalition,United Motorcoach Association, UnitedTransportation Union,and Women in Trucking.

Further information on the forum,including the archived webcast and tran-scripts, is available on the NTSB website:ht tp : / /www.ntsb.gov/events /2011/truck_bus_safety/forum.htm.

The NTSB also held a press conferenceon June 23, 2011, to announce updates to itsnewly remodeled Most Wanted List. Theevent webcast, the new brochure, and back-ground information on highlighted issueareas are available on the NTSB website:www.ntsb.gov. (See related story)

In late July, the NTSB will hold a BoardMeeting on a cargo tank semitrailerrollover accident that occurred on October22, 2009, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Themeeting will be webcast. Please check theNTSB website for further information ondate and time: www.ntsb.gov.

NTSB Reviews Progress, Discusses Current, Emerging Issues At Large Truck and Bus Safety ForumBy Julie Perrot, National Transportation Safety Board, Safety Recommendation Specialist

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently announcedits new list of the most critical transportation issues that need to beaddressed to improve safety and save lives. The new “Most WantedList” highlights 10 safety issues that impact transportation nationwide.The announcement of the new list came at a press conference inWashington, D.C. in which each of the five members of the Boardspoke briefly about the issues on the list.

“The NTSB’s ability to influence transportation safety dependson our ability to communicate and advocate for changes,” saidNTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. “The Most Wanted List isthe most powerful tool we have to highlight our priorities.”

NTSB began issuing an annual Most Wanted List in 1990. The listreleased today is the first one produced under a revised format devel-oped by the agency over the past several months in an effort to mod-ernize and streamline the list. This year’s list features 10 broad issue areasthat the NTSB will highlight in its advocacy efforts during the next year.

The new Most Wanted List can be found on the NTSB’s remod-

eled website. The effort to update the website began at the end oflast year and was a revealed today. “Our new website, with a land-ing page dedicated to the Most Wanted List issues, provides perti-nent, easy-to-find information along with videos and NTSB recom-mendations that support all of the issues on the list,” Hersman said.

The issue areas on the new Most Wanted List are:• Promote pilot and air traffic controller professionalism• Address human fatigue• Promote teen driving safety• Improve general aviation safety• Improve motorcycle safety• Require safety management systems• Improve runway safety• Address alcohol-impaired driving• Improve bus occupant safety• Require image and onboard data recorders

NTSB Announces Top 10 List to Reduce Transportation Accidents and Save Lives

Since its inception, CVSA actively focuseson enhancing the development and trainingprograms available to roadside inspectors.Roadside inspectors are highly-trained pro-fessionals who save lives every day by keep-ing unsafe commercial motor vehicles(CMV) and drivers off the roads. The workof a commercial vehicle inspector is not easybut it is one of the most vital in public safe-ty. Each year, CVSA recognizes the best ofthe best by inviting member jurisdictionsthroughout North America to participate in the North American InspectorsChampionship (NAIC).

NAIC develops future leaders, strength-ens industry and enforcement partnershipsand promotes camaraderie between inspec-tors, jurisdictions and countries. This inturn, ensures the quality, uniformity andreciprocity of the more than four millionroadside inspections conducted each yearacross North America. NAIC gives inspec-tors the chance to compete for top honorsin individual event categories in pursuit of

the Jimmy K. Ammons Grand ChampionAward. The events sharpen their skills andprovide a snapshot of the current roadsideinspection environment as well as a forumto evaluate both successes and areas forimprovement. Not only does NAIC recog-nize the best of the best CMV inspectors, italso provides member jurisdictions with abetter understanding of the strengths andweakness of their CMV safety program.

Creating Lasting Impressions“What you may not realize, however, is thelasting impact NAIC can have on aninspector’s career and all those who volun-teer to make this event happen,” saidCollin Mooney, CVSA’s deputy executivedirector and past NAIC competitor. “Adedicated team of international, inter-agency and private industry people assem-bles each year with the sole focus of provid-ing NAIC contestants with a memorableand rewarding experience. This is the 19thyear of NAIC and over the past near two

decades we can see the impact it has had ona number of people and their career trajec-tory. It’s not just another program or eventfor CVSA. NAIC can have a criticalimpact on people’s lives. When inspectorsparticipate in NAIC and they have a posi-tive influence, it stays with them for years.”

However, the importance of NAIC wasnot always seen. In late 1998, when thegovernment was facing a lack of fundingand the “Challenge” was at risk of beingterminated, CVSA stepped in because theassociation did not want to see the compe-tition fall by the wayside.

CVSA and our Associate AdvisoryCommittee stepped up with significantfunding that first year to help pay for thecompetition and expenses. In addition, awhole new staff of unpaid workers steppedforward and gave their time and energy tomake it happen. Several CVSA membersstepped forward and worked as judges andtook unpaid leave to staff the event. Maj.Ron Cordova (New Mexico Dept. of PublicSafety) and I had worked together as judgesand unpaid worker bees since 1993 at thefirst Challenge Competition in Denver, sowe knew the bits and pieces that made acompetition work. That first year in Tampaduring August of 1999, we all worked 20hours a day to make sure the contestantshad a great experience. Ron and I drove anew Tahoe with a trailer attached fromNew Mexico, stopping along the way topick up materials, bus ramps and additionalstaff for the event. Fortunately for us, every-one at CVSA including all the committeeChairs, Vice Chairs, members and associatemembers pitched in and almost everythingwent smoothly. One of our key NAIC staffmembers that year who handled the vehicleset up and defects was Jimmy Ammons,who had recently retired from the MSPublic Service (continued on page 14)

NAIC Provided a Pathway to Become InvolvedMaj. Ron Cordova, CVSA Past President (2005)

The North American Inspectors Championships has always had a special place in myheart. I started participating in inspectors competitions since the inception in 1993.Although I did not win our state competition in 1993, it did not deter me from par-ticipating the following year. In 1994, I won our state competition and had theopportunity to represent NM in Tampa, Florida. I did not know what to expect atChallenge ‘94. It was one of the highlights of my career. I met officer/inspectors fromNorth America that are still great friends today. The networking and friendships builtare amazing at NAIC.

I continued to participate after 1994 as staff, a judge and in 1999 became a co-chair for the event. The experience as co-chair enabled me to become moreinvolved with CVSA. As a result, I served as Chair of the ITS Committee from 2001-2003. In 2003, I was elected as Secretary/Treasurer for CVSA. In 2005, I ultimatelyhad the privilege and honor to serve as President through 2006.

CVSA is a tremendous organization and leader in highway safety across NorthAmerica. NAIC provided me the pathway to become involved in this great organization.

More Than a CompetitionNAIC’s History Steeped In Developing Future Leaders, Strengthening Industry, Enforcement PartnershipsBy Paul Tamburelli, CheckMark Safety Services, Inc., Vice President of Government Relations

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NAIC Gave Me a Personal Glimpse of thePassion of the Organization Maj. David Palmer, Incoming CVSA President

NAIC 1999 Grand Champion

My participation in the 1999 North American Inspectors Championship(NAIC) was an outstanding learning experience early in my career as acommercial vehicle enforcement trooper with the Texas Department ofPublic Safety. NAIC provided me with experience and knowledge of the broader, big pic-ture, aspects of commercial vehicle enforcement and safety. The training expanded myknowledge while the competition challenged my skills and abilities as a certified commer-cial vehicle inspector. I also cherish the many relationships that were developed with myfellow competitors, event judges, and others from across North America. These continu-ing relationships would have never been possible without this experience. NAIC was myfirst direct exposure to CVSA and it gave me a personal glimpse of the passion of theorganization and, more importantly, the people behind it. It was clear that commercialvehicle safety was the unequivocal goal of CVSA. This “first impression” helped strength-en my passion for commercial vehicle safety then, and continues stronger than ever today.

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NAIC Provides Winners Opportunities to ExpandCareer Horizons and Involvement in CVSA

Richard Roberts, British Columbia Ministry of Transportation

and Infrastructure, NAIC 2006 Grand Champion

In 2006 I competed at NAIC in New Orleans. What an experience!

I never would have expected to receive the Grand Champion title. So

what really does happen after NAIC? Well, I returned home and it was back to work as

normal. Prior to leaving for NAIC I was selected to assist with developing an hours of

service course on the new rules. This was going to get my feet wet with instructing. I

then went to St. Catherines, ON to become certified as an instructor for Part A and B.

Later I completed my certification for Part D Motorcoach in Surrey, BC. Then it was off

to Saskatoon, SK for CVSA instructor development. I’ve also taken on several instructor

roles within our department, Emergency Vehicle Operation training, Mobile Inspector

training, Radar training and cargo securement. Along with this has been involvement in

several course developments. I’ve also had the opportunity as an acting assignment the

position of provincial CVSA Coordinator, which I am currently doing. And all this time

trying to figure out a way back to NAIC! In 2009 I was asked to take a position on the

NAIC committee. Unfortunately, due to the tough economics we faced I was unable to

accept. Fast forward to the 2011 CVSA Workshop and I was once again asked. This time

I was pleased to accept. Would all of this happen without the big win? Who knows? But

I’m sure it hasn’t hurt. A lot of people asked, “What did you do to prepare yourself?” I

think I can best answer that by saying I focused on what I thought were my weak areas,

utilized the training provided, and had a great time with all the talented inspectors I

met. I’m sure most will agree that this is the highlight of your career. I am looking for-

ward to working with all of the committees, CVSA staff and meeting this year’s competi-

tors. It’s looking like another great NAIC!

When I was selected to compete at NAIC back in 2001, I hadno idea what I was in for and I was overwhelmed with the entireexperience. I went with the notion that I would do the best Icould and try to have a good time. I readily admit it was a littleintimidating at the start. There were 52 men and me. However,I am used to being outnumbered, so I figured I would survive.Once the training day began, all the nerves went away and weall just started having fun and learning as much as we could inthe short time we had.

After about the 2nd day, I realized that there was so muchmore to the CVSA organization than I had been aware of from aroadside inspector standpoint back in my province. I had no ideathat roadside officers were a fundamental ingredient to the devel-opment and success of CVSA. It was during an open panel sessionwith some of the Committee Chairpersons that I realized CVSApolicies and methodology were based on a coming together of allinterested parties. I found out that the roadside officer was, in fact,an interested party and we could actually affect change.

This event is truly a celebration of what a commercial vehi-cle inspector does 365 days a year. I never have and never willagain have the feeling that I had for that one week. For thatweek, I was made to feel like I had the most important job inthe world. It sent me home with an entire new outlook on myday-to-day routine. It turned my job into a passion.

Without NAIC, the average roadside officer, like myself, wouldnever have the opportunity to co-mingle with officers from allover the US, Canada and Mexico. The comradery that is built inone short week amongst all the contestants is extraordinary. Italso gives the officer an inside look at CVSA. For the most part,officers are given direction, policies and procedures from CVSAbut until they actually attend an event, they cannot understandthe magnitude of the Alliance.

I developed friend-ships during that weekthat I still have as oftoday. I was so impressedwith the whole processand enjoyed myself somuch, that by Friday I was just trying to figure out how I couldget back to participate again and become more involved. Littledid I know that I had won the event at that point. I do remem-ber after they announced my name, that once the shock sub-sided, one of the first things that entered my mind was that Ihad won my way back to NAIC the following year. So all thefriends I had met, I would see again and I would be able to seehow things operated from the other side of the fence.

That second years’ experience made me appreciate, evenmore, the amount of effort that goes on for the sake of 50 – 60roadside officers. It is a celebration of what officers do day inand day out with little or no recognition. The unfortunate partof being a roadside inspector is that generally no one is happyto see you and the only time someone pays attention to whata roadside inspectors job is, is when that job is not done. Thisevent allows for officers to get the recognition that theydeserve for keeping highways safe.

I never could have imagined that 10 years ago when Iarrived in Minneapolis to attend my first-ever CVSA event, thatI could have won the event competing with some of NorthAmerica’s finest, then been fortunate enough to be co-chair ofthe event for four years and now be the Chairperson of theVehicle Committee.

It is like what I said to some of our competitors here in Ontariothis year as they prepared to write the entry regional exam. Justwrite the exam, you never know where it will take you.

At NAIC, I Was Made to Feel I Had the Most Important Job in the World

Kerri Wirachowsky, CVSA Vehicle Committee Chair,

NAIC 2001 Grand Champion

(continued from page 12) Commission andwas working part time teaching for CVSA.Jimmy would pass away several monthsafter NAIC from to a blood clot after sur-gery in the fall of 1999. Today, we remem-ber Jimmy and his dedication to CVSAand NAIC each year when we present theJimmy K. Ammons Grand ChampionAward to the NAIC winner.

That year, the winner of the firstInternational Grand Champion Award wasa wet behind the ears young trooper from

Texas by the name of David Palmer. InSeptember, approximately 45 days afterNAIC 2011, Maj. Palmer will be sworn inas the International President of CVSA.

“When you’re early in your career, yousometimes don’t realize how big the com-mercial vehicle safety world is and whatkind of impact you can have. It gave me per-sonally a bigger national and internationaltaste. It motivates a number of people, if yougo down the list of those who have won, totake their new energy and insight into

enhancing their career. It’s one of thosethings that if it takes place in your formativeyears, it can really shape whether you stay inCMV enforcement and what path you ulti-mately may take,” said Mooney.

Today,NAIC is managed by CVSA; fund-ed in part by the Federal Motor Carrier SafetyAdministration (FMCSA) and is successfuldue to strong industry participation and spon-sorship. NAIC has been recognized by theAmerican Society of Association Executives(ASAE) as an event that “Advances America.”

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CVSA is recommending that theDepartment of Energy (DOE) choosethe most reliable and promising technolo-gies for future use and pay special atten-tion to shipment security and tracking.CVSA recently presented the findings ofits report titled “Safety and SecurityTechnologies for Radioactive MaterialShipments” at the U.S. Department ofEnergy’s Office of EnvironmentalManagement’s National TransportationStakeholders Forum in Denver, CO.

“The technologies that were examinedduring this study are changing on a con-stant basis,” said Larry Stern, CVSA’sDirector of the Level VI Program.“Specific technologies that are currentlyavailable and that CVSA recommends forthe safety and security of radioactive mate-rial shipments are RFID, GPS, biomet-rics, seals and locks. These technologieshave been tested, in operation for sometime, and have good performance records.”

The report, published in April 2011,recommends DOE: Involve the regional

state government groups in the overallprocess; Address all five technology appli-cation areas presented in the report; Payspecial attention to shipment security andtracking indicating that stakeholders areespecially interested in tracking not just thetractors, but the trailers and shipping casksas well; Make a special effort to involvestakeholders from states who currently doen route inspections due to state laws orpolicies; Upgrade TRANSCOM to reportin real time the dose rate measurements ofthe package; and, follow the progress of theHazardous Materials Cooperative Re-search Program (HMCRP) Project reportstudying electronic shipping papers andobtain a copy of the final report for reviewand possible implementation.

As part of the report process, CVSAreviewed current technologies consideredimportant to the safety and security ofradioactive material shipments thenreviewed nine emerging technologiesidentified by the Transportation ResearchBoard project report with respect to the

five technology applications areas impor-tant to the safety and security of radioac-tive material shipments.

CVSA also examined several currentand emerging technologies that havepotential to benefit the safety and securityof DOE radioactive material shipments.The technologies were evaluated for rele-vance to one or more of five applicationareas considered having importance to thesafety and security of radioactive materialshipments. The conclusions address eachof the five application areas are as follows:Inspection Technologies; SecurityTechnologies (Driver, Power Unit, Trailerand, Shipping Casks); RadioactiveMaterial Dose Rate Measurement andIsotope Quantification Technologies;Shipment and Tracking Technologies(tractor, trailer, and individual casks); and,Electronic Shipping Paper Technologies.

To view the complete report visitwww.cvsa.org, click on Programs, thenclick on the Level VI Program, then“Report updates.”

CVSA Urges Use of Emerging Technologies for Radioactive Material ShipmentsTechnologies Would Benefit Safety, Security, Inspections, Tracking of DOE HazMat Shipments

New CVSA Associate and Local Enforcement Members

Arlington Police DepartmentAutobus Ejecutivos, LLC dba Omnibus ExpressBear Dog Enterprises

Black Hound Delivery ServiceC&J Energy Services

Canadian Association of OilwellDrilling Contractors

Carlile Transportation Systems, Inc.Concorde, Inc.

Crescent Services, LLCEagle Training Services

Earl L. Henderson Trucking

ELSAG North America, LLCFFE Transportation Services, Inc.

FirstGroup AmericaGrand Prairie Police Departmentinthinc Technology Solutions, Inc.

J&J Driving School & Logistics, Inc.JMS Russel Metals Corp.

J M T Cartage, Inc.KLS Delivery, Inc.

MAHA-USAMobile Trailer Works

Northern Indiana Public ServiceCompany

PENSKE Logistics

Pepsi Bottling VenturesQ-Line Trucking

RAIRReliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

Sammons TruckingSmart Safety Services

Stalker RadarStoughton Trucking, Inc.

TransX USATruck And Trailer Inspection #2

Utah Trucking AssociationVT LOGISTICS, INC.

Vulcraft Carrier Corporation

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With traffic-related deaths andinjuries reaching epidemic pro-portions worldwide, CVSAstands in support the UnitedNation’s Decade for Action forRoad Safety campaign toincrease the public’s awareness ofthis problem and urges all stake-holders to take action to savelives and prevent deaths andinjuries. The campaign waslaunched on May 11, with cere-monies held throughout the world, includ-ing New York City and Washington, D.C.

Nearly 1.3 million people worldwide dieas a result of road traffic collisions everyyear, making road traffic injuries the tenthleading cause of death globally. That num-

ber is projected to increase to 1.9 million bythe year 2020. The Decade of Action forRoad Safety has a goal of stabilizing andthen reducing the level of worldwide roadfatalities by bringing more attention to safe-ty at regional, national, and global levels.

“CVSA shares the U.N.’sconcern that road traffic deathsand injuries have reached epi-demic proportions and need tobe addressed urgently by allpeople who use public roads,”said Stephen A. Keppler,CVSA’s executive director.“CVSA and its partners worktirelessly to prevent large truckand bus-related crashes. Andwhile the commercial vehicle

industry has made significant progress,clearly much more can be done to seethat not one additional life is put at risk.We appreciate the U.N. and WorldHealth Organization for raising theglobal awareness of this issue.”

CVSA Joins World Partners in Support of U.N. Decade of Action, Urges All Road Users to Actively Engage in Highway Safety

www.decadeofaction.org

As of July 5th, 2010, the European Union (EU), has mandated thatMember States (Countries) bring into force the laws, regulationsand administrative provisions necessary to comply with EuropeanDirective 2010-47 EU for Roadside Inspections by January 1st,2012 at the latest. Over the years, the EU Member States primari-ly focused on developing wellstructured annual inspection pro-grams throughout the EU and arejust now getting around to coordi-nating their roadside inspectionactivities. While many of the EU Member States already have roadside inspection andenforcement activities/programs,European Directive 2000-30 ECformally established these re-quirements on June 6th, 2000.The “Deficiencies” listed inEuropean Directives 2010-47

EU can be subjective and are up for interpretation, just like manyregulations here in North America. The EU is now in the sameposition the Alliance was almost 30 years ago when the uniformityand reciprocity of roadside inspection activities were uncoordinat-ed. As a result, the 27 Member States will more than likely need to

further define what constitutes adefective condition/violation anddevelop out-of-service criterionsimilar to the North AmericanStandard Out-of-Service Criteria.The European Directives men-tioned in this article only focuson the mechanical fitness ofcommercial vehicles and if any-one would like electronic copiesof these European Directives,please contact Collin Mooney at301-830-6149 or via email [email protected].

European Union Mandates Roadside Inspections by January 1st, 2012By Collin Mooney, CVSA, Deputy Executive Director


17

CVSA actively promoted the Teens & Trucks program atthe 2011 Lifesaver’s Conference. For those not familiarwith this program, Teens and Trucks is part of theOperation Safe Driver initiative. This year’s Lifesaver’sconference, held March 27- 29 in Phoenix, Arizona, wasattended by more than 1,800 persons from various agenciesacross North America.

This event provided CVSA with an opportunity to edu-cate representatives from law enforcement, the insuranceindustry, medical and injury prevention organizations, safetyadvocates, tribal community leaders, governor’s highway safe-ty offices, transportation engineers, the trucking industry andmany others about Operation Safe Driver, Teens and Trucks,

and other safety education programs offered by CVSA.It is estimated that CVSA made more than 400 contacts

during the conference. The Teens and Trucks Digital MediaKit contains an 11 minute video, a student workbook, aninstructor’s lesson plan, a case study and a Sharing the RoadTip Sheet. These media kits were in very high demand.

Interest shown by Lifesaver’s attendees about ways tobetter educate young drivers in how to safely share the roadwith large trucks and buses was overwhelming and veryencouraging.

For more information about Operation Safe Driver andthe Teens and Trucks program, please contact CVSA at202-775-1623 or at ww.cvsa.org.

Operation Safe Driver Program Spreads the Word About Educating Youth on Safe Driving Around Large Trucks, Buses at Lifesavers ConferencesBy Capt. Bob Powers, (ret.) Michigan State Police

CVSA recently hired Adrienne Gildeaas Director of Policy and GovernmentAffairs effective August 1, 2011.Gildea will replace Dick Hendersonwhen he retires at the end of 2011.Gildea comes to the Alliance fromBlakey & Agnew, LLC, a public affairsfirm in Washington, DC, specializingin transportation, where she served asa Senior Associate. In that capacity,she was responsible for managing theCoalition for America’s Gateways andTrade Corridors (CAGTC). CAGTCwas founded in 2001 and is dedicatedto the expansion and modernization ofAmerica’s freight and goods move-ment infrastructure. Its membersinclude leading transportation associa-tions, major ports, trade corridors,state and local government agencies,and individual rail, trucking, and engi-neering companies.

As CAGTC’s day-to-day manager,

she worked with more than 60 memberorganizations nationwide in buildinggrassroots support to develop and exe-cute strategy for the influence and pas-sage of federal legislation. She hasgeared several successful media andCongressional awareness campaignsthat have resulted in positive news cov-erage and feedback, including earnedarticles and opinion pieces. She alsoserved as the CAGTC’s primary lobby-ist, helping develop and executeCAGTC’s policy agenda. CAGTC’sefforts have resulted in multiple piecesof legislation representing CAGTC’spolicy goals, as well as a greater under-standing, on Capitol Hill and withinthe Administration, of the nation’sfreight and goods movement needs.

In addition, for the last year and ahalf, Gildea wrote a monthly columnfor Cargo Business News, a nationaltrade publication, focusing on devel-

opments on Capitol Hill and theSurface Transportation Authorizationprocess.

Prior to her work on CAGTC, sheinterned with Podesta Mattoon, aprominent D.C. lobbying firm. BeforeAdrienne’s tenure with PodestaMattoon, she served as both deputy presssecretary and scheduler for the ScottNewton for Attorney General Campaignin Mississippi. In addition, she worked asa freelance journalist for both theGalveston Daily News, in Galveston,Texas, and the Rogersville Review, inEast Tennessee.

Gildea graduated from TulaneUniversity with a B.A. in both PoliticalScience and English and a minor inPhilosophy. Adrienne and her family,including her six younger sisters, areoriginally from Memphis, Tennessee.She now lives with her husband onCapitol Hill.

S TA F F N E W S

Gildea Joins CVSA as Director of Policy and Government Affairs

18


COVER STORY

CVSA’s Roadcheck Keeps Commercial Vehicle Safety in Check Inspections Emphasize Importance of Vehicle, Driver Compliance to Drive

Down Highway Deaths

Results from CVSA's annual Roadcheck2011, the three-day, commercial vehiclesafety enforcement and education cam-paign held June 7-9, 2011, reveal that thecommercial motor carrier and motor coachindustries continue to improve the mainte-nance and safety of their operations, withoverall out-of-service (OOS) rates beingthe lowest since Roadcheck began in 1988.

“Although overall out-of-service ratesare at record lows, there is room forimprovement until the roads are freefrom vehicle and driver violations,” saidCVSA's Executive Director Stephen A.Keppler. “Events that focus on ensuringvehicles and drivers are complying withthe law, like Roadcheck and all roadsideinspections, draw critical attention toout-of-service rates and are shown toalso impact crash reductions.”

Nearly 8,000 CVSA and FMCSA cer-tified inspectors at 2,550 locations acrossNorth America performed 70,712 truckand bus inspections in 72 hours. Inspectorsfocused on the North American Standard(NAS) Level I inspection, motorcoachinspections, hours of service, and house-hold goods (HHG) carriers.

Once again, hours of service violationslead overwhelmingly as a percentage of alldriver violations cited (52.5 percent of alldriver out-of-service violations). Thehours of service rules are designed toreduce driver fatigue, which may be a con-tributing factor in large truck and buscrashes. Inspectors also queried drivers of

their use of electronic logging devices; 14percent were using them.

An additional emphasis was placedon identifying carriers of householdgoods (HHG) operating “under-the-radar” by using improperly marked rentalvehicles and/or operating as a for-hireproperty carrier rather than HHG carri-er. The 12 states that participated in theHHG focus activity identified 32 carri-ers that required enforcement action.

During Roadcheck 2011 approxi-mately 16 trucks or buses were inspected,on average, every minute for the 72 hoursof the event. Drivers were pulled over ordirected into weigh stations or otherinspection locations and asked to showtheir commercial driver's license, medicalexaminer's certificate and record of dutystatus. Brakes, tires, lights and everymajor safety component of the truck orbus, plus proper load securement werealso examined during Roadcheck. WhileRoadcheck has taken place every yearsince 1988, it is important to note thatroadside inspections occur every dayacross North America, to the tune ofmore than 3.9 million in 2010.

CVSA sponsors Roadcheck withFMCSA, Canadian Council of MotorTransport Administrators (CCMTA),Transport Canada, and the Secretariat ofCommunications and Transportation(Mexico). CVSA held its internationalpress conference June 7, 2011, at a weighstation in Dumfries, VA. Speakers includ-

ed Anne Ferro, FMCSA Administrator,Col. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State PoliceSuperintendant, John Saunders, VirginiaDMV's Director of Transportation, RobAbbott, American Trucking AssociationsVice President of Safety Policy, PaulOakley, American Moving and StorageAssociation Senior Vice President forGovernment Affairs, and Peter Pantuso,American Bus Association President.

“Roadcheck is about law enforcementpartners throughout North Americaworking together for greater truck andbus safety,” said FMCSA AdministratorAnne S. Ferro. “The fact is, federal, state,and provincial safety inspectors across thecontinent are on the job every day vigor-ously enforcing commercial vehicle anddriver safety regulations. For all of us, thatis our year-round mission and passion.”

Roadcheck data from 2011 show theoverall vehicle compliance rate at 80.7percent (80.0 percent in 2010), with anoverall driver compliance rate of 95.8percent (95.6 percent from last year).For NAS Level I inspections, the com-pliance rates were up to 77.2 percent forvehicles (76.7 percent in 2010) and 96.3percent for drivers (unchanged from2010). In addition, there were 296 fewersafety belt violations in 2011 (863 vs.1,159 in 2010).

Inspections of passenger carryingvehicles found a vehicle compliancerate of 91.3 percent in 2011 vs. 91.0percent in 2010. The motorcoach driv-er compliance rate was 97.4 percent –in 2010 it was 96.4 percent. Hazardousmaterials inspections resulted in a vehi-cle compliance rate of 82.1 percent(83.7 percent in 2010) and driver com-pliance rate of 97.5 percent (unchangedfrom previous year). There were 29,609CVSA Decals issued to vehicles thatpassed the inspection, up from thenumber issued in 2010 (26,605).

GuardianC O V E R S T O R Y

19

For the first time ever, the Yukon Territory conducted a consecu-tive 48-hour road safety check stop in conjunction with BritishColumbia that saw officers from various departments take part.Part of an action plan devised by the Royal Canadian MountedPolice (RCMP) Whitehorse “M” Division Traffic Services forNational Road Safety Week, “Operation Mighty Escrow” tookplace at the junction of Highway 37 (Cassiar Highway) and theAlaska Highway on May 17 and 18, 2011. The check stop wasmanned by RCMP members from Fort Nelson, Terrace, andSmithers in British Columbia and RCMP members fromWhitehorse and Watson Lake in the Yukon Territory. They werejoined by Yukon and British Columbia officers from EnvironmentCanada Wildlife Enforcement Division, Yukon Department ofFisheries and Oceans, Yukon and British Columbia ConservationOfficers, as well as CVSA inspectors from both jurisdictions.

According to RCMP Cpl. Shawn Pollard, every single pri-vate and commercial vehicle was stopped, and approximately900 drivers were interviewed. While most private vehicles werein good shape and their drivers law-abiding, a total of 47 sum-mary conviction tickets were issued for various violations. Threedrivers were suspended for 24 hours and their vehiclesimpounded. A proceeds of crime investigation resulted in theseizure of $20,000 in cash; this investigation and three investi-gations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act are stillongoing. CVSA inspectors conducted 61 Level I inspections oncommercial vehicles. Eleven of these units (18 percent) wereplaced out of service due to mechanical problems, while 20 wererestricted. Fifty critical inspection item defects were detected,and nine summary conviction tickets were issued. All partici-pants agreed that the check stop was a worthwhile endeavor,and a similar operation at a different location is being planned.

For Roadcheck 2011, Yukon again hosted two CVSAinspectors from Alaska. Both worked very hard at theWhitehorse Weigh Station and were a welcome addition to ourinspection staff. RCMP Whitehorse “M” Division TrafficServices provided an officer for each inspection shift, who randriver checks and also ordered a number of local trucks to reportfor inspection. Their help was very much appreciated, sincemany local carriers have special by-pass permits that allow themto conduct business in town without having to report to thescale unless ordered to do so.

Both events again proved to all participants that joint venturesare extremely valuable. Officers learn a lot from each other, morelegislation is enforced, and more inspections can be conducted.

Yukon Territory Participates for First48 Consecutive Hour Roadcheckby Julius Debuschewitz, Government of Yukon,

Manager, National Safety Code

Manitoba Infrastructure &Transportation’s Motor CarrierDivision Ensures PassengerSafety Through Bus InspectionsBy Reg Wightman, Manitoba Infrastructure

and Transportation, CVSA Program

Development Coordinator, Motor Carrier

Division

Motor Carrier Enforcement CVSA Passenger Vehicle certified OfficerBrad Kallert inspects a passenger carrying vehicle behind the ClubRegent Casino as part of Roadcheck 2011.

In an effort to ensure the safe transportation of pas-sengers traveling to and from area casinos, theManitoba Lotteries Commission brokered anagreement with Manitoba Infrastructure andTransportation’s Motor Carrier Division, to begininspection of motorcoaches and buses. The MotorCarrier Division recently began working with thecasino’s management, security and transportationgroups, in an effort to make sure that the inspec-tions caused as little disruption to the casino’s over-all operations as possible. Passenger carrying vehi-cles from Manitoba and outside of Manitoba nowall know that they could be subject to a CVSAinspection any time they enter onto the casino’sproperty. Understanding the safety issues related tothe movement of passengers in North America,CVSA’s Region V and Manitoba is fully committedto ensuring passenger carrying vehicle enforcementthroughout the region.

Another year has flown by and now the2011 North American InspectorsChampionship (NAIC) is fast approach-ing. As preparations in Orlando, FLcome together, I cannot help but wonderwhat is in store for me. This year I amfortunate enough to again be able toattend Ontario’s Provincial competitionas well as NAIC. However, this year myexperience will be considerably different.

Being last year’s champion forOntario automatically signs me up to beone of the leads for our NSC ChallengeCommittee for this year’s competition.My main task was coming up with thetest questions for the CVSA/generalknowledge, hours of service, and danger-ous goods tests. I have also been involvedwith organizing the Regional testing andissuing and marking the tests. This wasquite the eye opener. I had no idea thatthere was so much work involved. Thetests had to be challenging, but not sodifficult that officers would not be ableto complete them.

This year, I will get to participate asa volunteer. The days of competing are

behind me and now I get to join theranks of the hundreds of volunteersthat work together to ensure the eventgoes off without a hitch. I will missthe stress and thrills of trying to findall of the defects under the constraintsof a stopwatch, however, I am trulylooking forward to seeing what hap-pens behind the scenes.

So, what have I taken from participat-ing at NAIC and Ontario’s NSCChallenge? As a competitor, I haveproven to others, but more importantlyto myself, that I have the skills andknowledge to do my job efficiently andthoroughly. More importantly, I haverevealed some of my weaknesses, whichhas allowed me to focus my attentionand improve to become an even betterofficer. I got to spend time with otherinspectors, as well as stakeholders, fromacross the continent and hear theirthoughts and opinions and even share afew of my own. Exchanging stories withteammates, hearing what goes on inother jurisdictions, building friendships,and even helping out the people with

whom you are competing – this is whatNAIC is all about.

As a committee member, I havecome to appreciate the dedication, hardwork and long hours that go into mak-ing both events a success. This year atNAIC, I hope to walk away with meet-ing new people, making new friends,and a better understanding of the effectthat CVSA has on the ever-growingtrucking industry.

To all who are competing this yearin Orlando, I have the same piece ofadvice that I said in my first article:relax, have fun, and just take it all in.Whether it was through testing orbeing nominated by your supervisors,you have been chosen to represent yourjurisdiction at NAIC. This is one ofthe few single events that can open thedoor to many opportunities. When it isall said and done, I encourage you totake part in any capacity you are able toin your home jurisdiction’s challenges,as well as NAIC. Congratulations toall of the competitors and good luck! Iwill see you in Orlando.

Inspector’s CornerBy Richard Robinson, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Transportation Enforcement

Officer, NAIC 2010 Grand Champion

Richard Robinson


20

On February 6, 2011 the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) notified CVSA that PittsEnterprise Trailers had initiated a recall ofcertain model semi-trailers for ABS sys-tems that do not comply with the require-ments of FMVSS 121 (Air Brake Systems).

This issue came to light as a result ofroadside inspectors identifying trailerswhich did not have an external ABSmalfunction lamp as required in 49CFR393.55(e). Examinations of the trailersrevealed they had none of the compo-nents commonly found on air brakedtrailers equipped with ABS. The trailersalso possessed an informational stickerindicating that pursuant to a CircuitCourt ruling the external malfunctionsignal for ABS was not required on thevehicle.

The system the trailers were equippedwith did not meet the definition of anABS system in 49CFR 393.5 and didnot have the external lamp as required in393.55(e).

393.5 DefinitionsAntilock Brake System or ABS. Meansa portion of a service brake system thatautomatically controls the degree ofrotational wheel slip during braking by:

(1)Sensing the rate of angularrotation of the wheels;

(2)Transmitting signals regardingthe rate of wheel angular rota-tion to one or more controllingdevices which interpret thosesignals and generate responsivecontrolling output signals; and

(3)Transmitting those controllingsignals to one or more modu-lators which adjust brake actu-ating forces in response tothose signals.

393.55(e) Antilock brake systems.Exterior ABS malfunction indicatorlamps for trailers. Each trailer(including a trailer converter dolly)manufactured on or after March 1,1998, and subject to the requirementsof paragraph (c)(2) of this section,shall be equipped with an ABS mal-function indicator lamp which meetsthe requirements of FMVSS No. 121(49 CFR 571.121, S5.2.3.3).

Based on the findings from the road-side inspectors,CVSA petitioned NHTSA toinvestigate and enforce the FMVSSmanufacturing requirements establishedin §571.121 Standard No. 121; Air brakesystems. As a result, NHTSA formallyrequested certification from Pitts, the

trailer manufacturer, to assure compli-ance with FMVSS No. 121.

Pitts decided to conduct a recall andremedy campaign to address the non-compliance. Vehicles found roadside tobe effected by this recall should be sup-plied with a copy of the recall letter out-lined below. The letter identifies theeffected units and proposed remedy andcontact information for the manufacturer.

A copy of the letter to CVSA fromNHTSA along with the recall notice isalso found in the “member services” areaof the CVSA website on the VehicleCommittee webpage located in the 2011Chicago Agenda file. The informationis contained in Attachment 15 -NHTSA_CVSA LetterPittsRecall.pdfwithin the agenda file.

21

GuardianC O M M I T T E E N E W S

Pitts Enterprise Issues Recall for ABS Issue as a Result of CVSA Petition to NHTSABy Senior Trp. J. T. Bowling, Virginia State Police, CVSA Vehicle Committee, Vice-Chair

22


Losing one or more wheels from a com-mercial vehicle due to equipment ormaintenance procedure failures relatingto the wheel/fastener/drum interface canhave catastrophic consequences. It's thekind of thing that causes nightmares infleet operations and maintenance depart-ments. When it does occur, it oftenresults in a review of practices and proce-dures to determine how it could haveoccurred and how to avoid a repeat event.

Too often this type of review fails togo deep enough to be effective. Here arethree often seen partial measures likelyindicating a fleet hasn't worked hardenough to identify the real problems:

1. The fleet installs colored indica-tors on the wheel nuts of theirvehicles (more on this later).

2. They have a policy for conductinga re-torque of the wheels installedon a vehicle that does not includestep by step wheel installation pro-cedures-i.e., the re-torque proce-dures are left to the individual thatworks in the tire bay.

3. They fail to provide a written step-by-step procedure to an outsidewheel/tire service provider or pro-vide procedures but fail to conductaudits to make sure the steps arefollowed.

A wheel loss event normally resultsfrom a combination of mistakes that, bythemselves, may not cause a problem, buttogether result in tragedy. If there are mul-tiple mistakes made and only one is iden-tified and corrected, there is a false sense ofsecurity. It's likely the remaining mistake-seventually return as a new hazard.

A successful review must really get intothe detailed processes of almost all wheel-end activity to identify and address the

factors that contributed to the loss of awheel. Even fleets who have never sufferedthe loss of a wheel and are proactively try-ing to take the steps to make sure it neverhappens, need to conduct very detailedanalyses of their wheel-end activities.

The use of colored markers on wheelnuts is a likely indication that a fleet is notgoing far enough. The colored markersprovide a visual indication, principally todrivers, when a wheel nut is turning. Re-torquing only after seeing the coloredmarkers turn falls well short an adequate,comprehensive review of a fleets proce-dures. The markers do make it easier fordrivers (and technicians too) to spot aloose wheel nut. What seems to be miss-ing here is any understanding of why thewheel nut becomes loose in the first place.

All truck manufacturers recommendthat fleets have a rigid procedure for con-ducting a follow-up check of wheel nutsafter installation. Many fleets set up aprogram for identifying and document-ing wheels that require some form of re-check to spot loose wheel nuts. However,it is very important that fleets alsounderstand what may have caused thewheel nut to get loose so quickly in thefirst place. And often there is no instruc-tion for what to do when a nut does turnwhen the re-check is conducted. In manycases the loose nuts are re-tightened andthe job is considered complete, but thisfalls short of a follow up.

The answer to avoiding wheel loss isinstalling the wheels right in the firstplace. Follow up and preventions stepsare a complete waste of time when theinstallation isn't done properly. Sincehub-piloted wheels are now virtuallystandard on commercial vehicles, the fol-lowing information focuses on this typeof wheel system.

The list that follows represents all itemsthat need to be included in a proper instal-lation of hubpiloted wheels, starting withthe wheel end completely disassembled:

1. Make sure the wheel bolts are ingood condition, the threads areproperly cleaned, and there is nosign of deterioration or thread dam-age. If you know or suspect that thewheels have been overtightened inthe past, replace the bolts.

2. Make sure the brake drum (orrotor) is properly seated against thehub. Use internally threaded sleevesto position the drum and keep itthere (you can slide the wheels overthe sleeves). There are a number offactors that need to be consideredhere. Is there dirt or rust betweenthe two? Does the drum fit the hubcorrectly? Once the drum is inplace, will it stay there while thewheels are installed? This also raisesan important and problematic issue.The success of the wheel installa-tion can be destroyed because ofproblems in the drum-to-hub inter-face, but do you want tire servicetechnicians removing brake drums?

3. Make sure the brake drum andwheel mounting faces are clean,there is no excess paint, no rustand everything is in good condi-tion. Rusty mounting faces are amajor problem, so get them refur-bished. Make sure any paint isgood quality and is fully cured.

4. Make sure every component hasbeen properly inspected and anyquestionable parts have beenreplaced and assemble the wheel(s)onto the hub.

5. Make sure the wheel bolts andnuts are properly lubricated. This

Avoiding Wheel Loss By Installing Them Right the First TimeBy Rolf VanderZwaag, Ontario Trucking Association, Manager,

Maintenance & Technical Issues, CVSA Vehicle Committee Member

means a couple of drops of oilbetween each nut's flange andbody, and at least a few drops ofoil on the bolt threads. Usemotor oil and apply it to theouter end of the treads, so thatthe nut will carry the oil with itdown the entire length of thethreads.

6. Tighten the nuts in stages startingwith snugging all of them to about50 ft. lb, then tighten them insequence to 300 to 400 ft. lb.

7. Tighten the nuts to 500 ft. lb.using an accurate torque wrench.Don't over-tighten the nuts.

Check the wheel nuts 50 to 100 milesafter installation. When any nut turns,check it again within an additional 50 to100 miles. Chances are though thatbecause the installation is done right,everything will be fine. If you do theinstallation right, you don't need point-ers on your wheel nuts because they'llstay tight.

If you don't do the installation right,you won't need the pointers eitherbecause, they won't save you. If you haveanybody else install your wheels, youneed to be absolutely sure they havewritten instructions on how you want itdone. And you better check that it'sdone right. Some fleets just decide not totrust anyone and they disassemble everywheel serviced on the road, and go overthe details themselves after it gets backto their terminal.

If you want a resource for wheel safe-ty, contact CVSA for a copy of “PracticalTire and Wheel Service.” This is a 96-page handbook that covers all wheeltypes and is used for training tire servicetechnicians.

23

GuardianC O M M I T T E E N E W S

CVSA welcomes several new chairs this quarter and

would like to recognize those outgoing chairs for

their contributions to the Alliance.

Lt. Don Bridge, Connecticut Department of

Motor Vehicles will serve as the new chair of

Passenger Carrier Committee. Lt. Bridge replaces

outgoing chair Tim Davis.

Lt. Tom Fitzgerald, Massachusetts State Police, is

the new chair appointed to lead the Driver-Traffic

Enforcement Committee. Lt. Fitzgerald steps in for

Capt. Dan Meyer who recently retired from the Kansas

Highway Patrol. (See related article in Regional Rap.)

Sgt. Tom Fuller, New York State Police, replaces

Capt. Bruce Bugg as the new HazMat Committee

Chair. Capt. Bugg of the Georgia Department of

Public Safety Motor Carrier Compliance Division

(MCCD) steps down from this position after serv-

ing since 2003. The HazMat Committee sets policies

and procedures concerning inspections of HazMat

shipments throughout North America.

Capt.Bugg will continue to serve the state of Georgia

and CVSA, in regards to commercial vehicle enforce-

ment and hazardous materials transportation.During his

24-plus year career he has been a true professional in every sense of the word.

Among his many other accomplishments he served as the National Chair for

the Cooperative Hazardous Material Enforcement Development Program

(COHMED) during 2003-2004 after being involved since 1992. He also con-

tinues to serve as the Governor’s designee regarding pre-notifications of high

level radioactive shipments passing through Georgia. He is the Governor’s

designee to various boards and committees recommending policies and prac-

tices for transuranic waste shipments, Chairman of the Olympic Planning

Committee regarding HazMat safety and security for the 1996 summer games,

as well as a member of numerous other boards and committees affecting the

safety of the motoring public. For all of these reasons, he was honored with the

CVSA Presidential Award for outstanding service in 2006 and his contributions

will be greatly missed at CVSA.

Comings & Goings

Lt. Don Bridge

Lt. Tom Fitzgerald

Capt. Bruce Bugg

REGION IConnecticut, Delaware, District ofColumbia, Maine, Maryland,Massachusetts, New Hampshire, NewJersey, New York, Pennsylvania, PuertoRico, Rhode Island, US Virgin Islands,and Vermont.

REGION IIAlabama, American Samoa, Arkansas,Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,Mississippi, North Carolina,Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee,Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

REGION IIIColorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota,Missouri, Nebraska,North Dakota, Northern MarianaIslands, Ohio, South Dakota, andWisconsin.

REGION IVAlaska, Arizona, California, Guam,Hawaii, Idaho, Mexico, Montana,Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah,Washington, and Wyoming.

REGION VAlberta, British Columbia, Manitoba,New Brunswick, Newfoundland andLabrador, Nova Scotia, NorthwestTerritories, Nunavut, Ontario, PrinceEdward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan,and Yukon.

I

V

IVIII

II

REGIONAL NEWS

South Carolina Implements New Intrastate CMVProgram Designed to Make State Roads SaferBy South Carolina Department of Public Safety, State Transport

Police Division

The South Carolina Department ofPublic Safety’s State Transport Policedivision will begin implementation of anew program for intrastate commercialmotor vehicles that is designed to makestate roads and highways safer. TheMotor Carrier Registration program willrequire all intrastate motor carriers toobtain SC Intrastate DOT numbers anddisplay those numbers on all of theircommercial vehicles. There is no cost tothe companies to obtain the numbers.

“This is not a new law,” explainedSouth Carolina Department of PublicSafety Director Mark Keel. “This wasadopted by South Carolina when theFederal Motor Carrier Safety Regulationswere adopted. At that time, the USDepartment of Transportation (USDOT)did not have the technology to processintrastate numbers. That technology isnow in place and the law will be enforced.”

“The issuance of an intrastate DOTnumber does not subject commercialmotor carriers to additional or differentsafety requirements,” said Col. NickMoore, commanding officer of the StateTransport Police. “The intrastate num-ber is one of the components of a quali-ty program that allows law enforcementto efficiently assess and track a commer-cial motor carrier’s safety rating by tyingthe vehicles in a fleet to a common iden-tifying number,” he said.

Only those companies doing businesssolely within South Carolina - intrastate -are required to obtain SCDOT numbers.Companies that operate in multiple states

- interstate - are required to haveUSDOT numbers. A company would berequired to obtain a SCDOT number if itoperates a commercial motor vehicle that:1) Has a gross vehicle weight rating orgross combination weight rating, or grossvehicle weight or gross combinationweight of 10,001 pounds or more; or 2) Isdesigned or used to transport more thaneight (8) passengers, including the driverfor compensation; or 3) Is designed orused to transport more than 15 passen-gers, including the driver, and is not usedto transport passengers for compensation;or 4) Is used in transporting hazardousmaterials as defined under federal law.This requirement is not limited to “truck-ing companies.” As defined by law, a“motor carrier” is any commercial enter-prise that uses such vehicles in its businessoperations and as a result it is subject toFederal Motor Carrier Safety regulations.The program goes into effect October 1,2011, which will allow intrastate motorcarriers adequate time to obtain therequired numbers and appropriately marktheir vehicles. After that date, failure toregister, obtain and display the SCDOTnumber will subject the carrier to a $100fine per occurrence. South Carolina willbecome the 38th state to require inIntrastate DOT number. During the2009 calendar year, 32 percent of com-mercial motor vehicle collisions in SouthCarolina involved at least one intrastatecarrier. In that same year, 20 percent ofCMV fatalities resulted from a collisioninvolving at least one interstate carrier.

24


Indiana, New Mexico, Washington,California, Arizona, Michigan, Kentucky,Iowa, Maryland and Nevada were recog-nized as Top Tier States in the recentlyreleased study Predicting Truck CrashInvolvement by the American Trans-portation Research Institute (ATRI).New Mexico placed 2nd nationwide inhaving the most effective traffic enforce-ment program aimed at reducing the num-ber of truck crashes. New Mexico had pre-viously received the honor of placing 4thnationwide when ATRI published their2005 truck crash predictor research.

In an effort to identify those statesthat have the most effective enforcementstrategies, ATRI developed an objectiveperformance measure that relates the rel-ative percent of truck traffic enforcementto the relative percent of truck crashesthat occurred within each state. Statedata analysis indicates a direct correla-tion of reduced truck crashes withincreased traffic enforcement. The topten tier states identified by ATRI as hav-ing the most effective traffic enforce-ment programs are:

New Mexico has seen a steady declinein serious truck crashes from 24.6 per100 million vehicle miles driven in 2005to 15.8 per 100 million vehicle milesdriven in 2009. Truck-related fatalitiesalso decreased during this period from2.04 to 1.37 fatalities per 100 millionvehicle miles driven. Enforcement activ-ities increased from 60,226 safety inspec-tions and 29,117 traffic citations in 2005to 129,408 safety inspections and 55,190traffic citations in 2009.

“New Mexico’s declining truck crashrate may be attributed not only toincreased overall traffic enforcement butto identifying those specific factors thatare the primary contributors to motor

vehicles crashes and concentrating onaddressing those contributing factors inselective traffic enforcement planning,said MTPD Deputy Chief MarkRowley.” “We must understand whichcommercial driver behaviors are mostlikely to lead to future crash involvementif we are going to have an effective crashreduction program. ATRI has demon-strated through extensive research thatdriver behaviors such as improper pass-ing, failure to signal, speeding over 15mph, failure to obey traffic sign/signal,improper lane change and following tooclosely significantly increase the likeli-hood of being involved in a crash.Improper passing violations aloneincreased the likelihood of beinginvolved in a crash by 88 percent. Priorconvictions for failure to use/impropersignal increased the likelihood of a futurecrash by 96 percent. Consequently, driv-er behavior statistics supplied by ATRIcoupled with data obtained from pastcrashes are essential in planning an effec-tive crash reduction program.”

New Mexico’s successful trafficenforcement program incorporates thefour components identified by ATRI:• Center on aggressive driving appre-

hension programs/initiatives.• Target both commercial motor vehi-

cle and non-commercial motor vehi-cle behavior patterns.

• Utilize both highly visible and covertenforcement activities.

• Incorporate an internal performance-based system for managing enforce-ment by specific crash types, driverbehaviors and locations.

“The decline in New Mexico’s truckcrash rate is also a result of the motorcarrier industry taking a proactiveapproach in managing driver behaviors,”said Secretary Gorden E. Eden, Jr. “Themotor carrier industry in New Mexico isvery safety conscious and has developedproactive measures and strategies toensure that their trucks and drivers onour highways are safe.” “Selectivity inhiring, safety incentive programs, safetyawareness programs, driver reviews, con-tinuous training and emphasizing com-pany goals and expectations are attrib-utes found in safety-oriented truckingcompanies.” “It is essential for lawenforcement and the motor carrierindustry to work together as partners inmanaging and enforcing driver behaviorto effectively reduce truck crashes.”

The complete report from ATRI maybe found by visiting: http://www.atri-online.org/index.php?option=com_con-tent&view= article&id=58&Itemid=69,clicking on the “Predicting Truck CrashInvolvement: A 2011 Update” icon andrequesting a copy of the report.

Additional information on New Mexicomotor carriers may be found by visiting theNew Mexico Trucking Association websiteat: http://www.nmtrucking.org.

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R E G I O N A L N E W S

Ten States Recognized As Nationwide Leaders in Reducing Truck CrashesBy New Mexico Department of Public Safety, Motor Transportation Division

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The South Carolina Department ofPublic Safety and the South CarolinaDepartment of Transportation held aground-breaking ceremony Friday,January 14, 2011 on Interstate 95 for astate-of-the-art commercial motor vehi-cle weigh-in-motion facility.

The S.C. Department of Transporta-tion provided the land for the weigh sta-tion that will be located near mile mark-er 74 on northbound I-95 in DorchesterCounty. The weigh station will be built inwhat was an unused truck parking area.Actual construction on the project isexpected to be completed in mid-October. The station, which will cost$6.2 million, will be maintained by theState Transport Police, a division of theS.C. Department of Public Safety. “Wemust continue to use technology toimprove enforcement of commercial lawsand regulations with the objective of tar-geting unsafe, non-compliant commer-cial motor vehicle operators,” SCDPSDirector Mark Keel said. “This will helpthe state meet the goals of improvinghighway safety and reducing highwayfatalities involving commercial motorvehicles.” Keel also pointed out that one

of primary missions of the TransportPolice is the prevention of prematuredeterioration of our roads and bridgesthrough the STP Size and WeightEnforcement Program. \Overweighttrucks tend to do more damage to high-ways that aren’t designed to handle theheavier loads. Secretary of TransportationH.B. Limehouse Jr. said, “This is anotherexample of SCDOT and SCDPS work-ing together to improve the safety andefficiency of our highway system.”

“The Interstate 95 corridor is animportant factor in commerce andtourism; it passes through more statesthan any other interstate highway,” saidCol. Napoleon “Nick” Moore, com-manding officer of the State TransportPolice. He noted that the “technologyinfrastructure built into this facility willallow STP to focus our efforts on thenon-compliant motor carriers.”

The new facility will have the latestelectronic screening technology installedon the travel lanes of Interstate 95.Through the weigh-in-motion facili-ties, STP officers can capture andrecord weights as vehicles drive over anactual scale built into the roadway.

These systems are capable of measuringat normal traffic speeds without requir-ing vehicles drive at reduced speeds orcome to a complete stop. The projectalso includes improvements to theentrance and exit ramps and inspectionfacilities including an inspection shedand scale house. Rick Todd, Presidentand CEO of the South CarolinaTrucking Association, said the weigh-in-motion facility “will do everythingstate and federal governments wantwith respect to truck weight, safety, taxand registration compliance. It is awise investment, representing a gooduse of physical, financial and humanresources.” SCDPS provided the designservices and will provide constructioninspection services. SCDOT providedproject design oversight and coordina-tion with state and federal officials. STPcurrently operates two weigh-in motionsites. Those stations are on Interstate 85near Townville and Interstate 26 nearHarleyville. These sites differ from theInterstate 95 site in that commercialmotor vehicles are required to leave thehighway, slow to be weighed and thenre-enter interstate traffic.

New State-of-the-Art Weigh Station Employs New Technologies to HelpSouth Carolina Focus on Non-Compliant Motor CarriersBy South Carolina Department of Public Safety, State Transport Police Division

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The Idaho State Police, CommercialVehicle Safety and Hazardous MaterialsDivision are likely one of the smallestMotor Carrier Safety AssistancePrograms in the nation. But, don’t letthe small size fool you. With limitedpersonnel and resources they accomplisha lot. When the division is fully staffed,it’s comprised of only 22 commissionedofficers and four civilian support staff.The officers complete roadside inspec-tions, safety audits, compliance reviews,post crash inspections, hazardous mate-rials response and mitigation, Level VIinspections, motor coach inspections,public outreach, and assist the IdahoState Police Patrol Division with emer-gency calls for service.

The division is broken down intothree teams of five to six officers, each ledby a Sergeant. Two teams focus on com-mercial vehicle safety and one teamfocuses on hazardous materials. TheseSergeants report to Lt. Jim Eavensonwho is in charge of field operations. Thefield officers in the division hold the rankof Specialist, due to the additional train-ing they must attend and the additionalresponsibilities associated with theassignment. So, it is a promotion whenan officer comes into the division.Openings in the division are rare andwhen they do occur there are usually mul-tiple, very qualified troopers, who applyto be part of this distinctive division.

A major commitment for our divisionis the Level VI Inspection Program.Southeast Idaho is the home of theIdaho National Laboratory (INL), a verylarge U.S. Department of Energy site.Six days per week the INL shipsTransuranic Radioactive Waste to theWaste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) nearCarlsbad, NM. Each of these shipments

must pass a Level VI CVSA inspectionbefore it is allowed on public highways.Two officers are assigned to inspect theseshipments. This important assignmentrequires significant resources from oursmall program but the commitment haspaid off. These shipments have one ofthe safest records in the country.

One recent and notable public out-reach effort was our Safety Days, heldApril 26 and 27. The division’s ProjectCoordinator, Tecia Ferguson, suggestedthe idea after reviewing some crash data.She noted that our crash data showed anabove average number of drivers between15 and 25 years old are involved in crash-es with commercial vehicles. This groupof drivers comprises only 6.1 percent ofIdaho drivers, but they are involved in15.6% of the crashes. In 2009, 11.5% ofcommercial vehicle crashes involved ateenage driver.

Ms. Ferguson applied for a high pri-ority grant to put on the two-day event.The target group was teen drivers in Adaand Canyon Counties, our two mostpopulace counties. We also invited civicand church groups and the general pub-lic. The events included:• A driving simulator that simulates

distracted or impaired driving.• Seatbelt demonstrations.• DUI demonstrations.• Texting while driving golf carts

through an obstacle course.• Riding tricycles through an obstacle

course with goggles that simulateimpairment.

• The American Trucking Associations’Road Safety Team, who brought theirNo-Zone truck and demonstrated blindspots around a commercial vehicle.

• Presentations by Nurse Pam and Sgt.Rausch.

The highlight of the event was thetwo hour presentation by Pam Holt, anemergency room nurse from Missouri,and Sgt. Robert Rausch from the IdahoState Police (ISP), Pocatello office. Priorto joining the ISP, Sgt. Raush was aNurse Practitioner; a certification he stillholds. The medical background thatPam and Robert share gives them aunique perspective which they sharedwith the teen drivers. The teens heardwhat happens during a crash. Whathappens in the hospital after the crash,and the lifelong effects of some injuries.Holt and Raush gave their presentationsthree times each day. After the event, wereceived a letter from one teacher whohad brought her class. In part her lettersaid, “Every aspect of the event impactedthe students in a dynamic way. Forexample, before the event there were sev-eral students who freely admitted to notbuckling their seatbelts. When I askedwhat would they never forget (afterattending the event), buckling their seat-belts was the first thing they mentioned.”

Because our division is so small, wehave made a concentrated effort to bal-ance inspections and enforcement withcarrier education and compliance. OurSafety Audit and Compliance ReviewSpecialists use their on-site carrier visitsas opportunities to influence fleet safety.Our Specialists are also directly involvedwith the Idaho Trucking Association’sSafety Council and various truck drivingschools in our state. We might have lim-ited resources in Idaho but we use thoseresources to make Idaho and our nationa safer place.

“Saving lives through excellence andefficiency in commercial vehicle andhazardous materials transportation andsafety”

Spotlight on Idaho State Police Commercial Vehicle Safety, HazMat DivisionBy Capt. Bill Reese, Idaho State Police, Commander, Commercial Vehicle Safety and

Hazardous Materials Division

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When a Commercial Motor Vehicle(CMV) is involved in a serious crash, multi-ple entities with different interests getinvolved. Regardless of their particularpoint of view, they all seek the truth in orderto facilitate a just and fair outcome whichcan only be facilitated with a thoroughinvestigation. In Nebraska (particularlywith the Nebraska State Patrol) such inves-tigations are facilitated by three separateindividuals. The first is the case officer, ulti-mately responsible for the entire crash inves-tigation. The second is the CrashReconstructionist; the expert responsible fordetermining the cause of the crash.However, when a CMV is involved thevehicle components and driver requirementsfar exceed the Reconstructionist’s expertise.That’s when the third investigator is activat-ed. The third expert is the Post CrashInspector. These individuals are specificallytrained in conducting forensic examinationsof crashed CMVs. The purpose of the PostCrash Inspection (PCI) is to determine anyand all contributing factors from the CMVcomponents, CMV driver, and possibly theCMV carrier. In turn, they are able to gen-erate a more thorough North AmericanStandard (NAS) Level I inspection. Giventhe complexity and importance of theseinvestigations, it is difficult to believe that in2008 there was no course anywhere in theUnited States to train Post CrashInspectors.

Having identified the need for and lackof training in Post Crash Inspections, theCarrier Enforcement Division of theNebraska State Patrol (NSP) began todevelop its Post Crash Inspection Course.NSP held its first PCI Course in Octoberof 2009, followed by a second in May of2011. Feedback from the attending stu-dents affirmed the importance and highquality of education received.

CMV crashes involve a variety of inter-ested entities. They include prosecutors,defense attorneys, the criminal/civil courts,carriers, insurance companies, and injuredvictims. Due to the additional size andmomentum of CMVs, such crashes can bemore devastating both physically and emo-tionally to all parties involved. Evidenceand contributing factors should be docu-mented professionally, accurately, and com-pletely. To do so, investigators need theproper tools and knowledge base. Being aNAS Level I-certified inspector gives stu-dents the basic foundation needed to facil-itate a Level I Inspection. The NSP PostCrash Inspection Course builds on thatfoundation and gives them the specificexpertise needed for a methodical andthrough forensic examination. The endresults, through either criminal or civilprocesses, are therefore based on all and notjust some of the facts. The NSP Post CrashInspection Course plays a major factor infacilitating the pursuit of truth.

Data gathered from Post CrashInspections will not only facilitate a morethorough investigation of the crash, thecollected data may be used to identify andfocus enforcement actions to reduce the

occurrence and severity of CMV crashes.In addition, the data can be used to identi-fy manufacturing/design defects, or possi-ble carrier practices which may lead to con-tributing factors.

A fully-loaded cement truck crested ahill approaching a controlled intersectionof two major roadways. The cement truckfailed to stop in time and enters the inter-section under a red light, broad-siding amotorcycle resulting in the death of both ofits occupants. The initial interview of thedriver of the truck resulted in the statementthat the truck failed to stop appropriatelyupon making the brake application. Duringthe Post Crash Inspection, the inspectordiscovered that while the push rod travelwas within appropriate limitations thebrake linings on the rear axle of the truckwere failing to make contact with thedrums. Without any defects noticedthrough the inspection of the remainingvisible brake components, the inspectordisassembled the rear brake canisters andobserved a substantial amount of sandcompacted within the canisters. The com-pacted canisters prohibited appropriateforce to be applied. A subsequent compli-ance review led to the inspection of thecompany’s remaining vehicles. This result-ed in 90 percent of the vehicles beingplaced out of service and identifying thecause of the contributing factor. The prac-tice of the carrier’s drivers was upon return-ing to the yard, the vehicles would backinto a sand pile and clean out any remain-ing product. Without the dust plugs beingin place on the rear canisters, each vehicle’scanisters were packed with sand, jeopardiz-ing the integrity of the brakes.

Four days of the week long Post CrashInspection Course consists of a four-hourblock of classroom instruction, followed bya four-hour block conducting actual Post

Nebraska State Patrol Identifies Need, Develops Post-Crash Inspection CourseBy Trp. Pedram Nabegh, Nebraska State Patrol

Development of the

[course] … is a

testament to industry

and government

working cooperatively…

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Crash Inspections. One evening block isconducted in order to allow the students toexperience the challenges of conductingnight time inspections.

The Post Crash Inspection Course wasdesigned to replicate real life scenarios and toexpose students to as many scenarios as pos-sible during the week. The course providesfour to five separate staged wrecked vehiclesto be inspected. The vehicles were posi-tioned as they may have been found at thescene; some were even tipped over on theirside, thus replicating the challenges studentswill face in actual Post Crash Inspections.Students practice critical thinking skills andlearn how to determine the correct course ofaction in collecting their data. Examples ofthis are how to supply air pressure to brakechambers when the vehicle(s) are not opera-tional and how to determine if a defect waspresent before the crash or caused by it.Additionally, students practice evidencepreservation by learning how to properlydocument their actions and observations.

Students are provided with a book con-taining all PowerPoint presentations andcourse materials used during the class.This facilitates easy note-taking materials,and the resources needed to address ques-tions in the field well after the course iscompleted. The student books also includea DVD ROM containing all course mate-rial in PDF format.

The Nebraska State Patrol has developeda data collection form for Post CrashInspections. The form is used during thescenarios (and for actual inspections) in orderto examine all portions of the CMV. Sincethe form is continuously being developed, it

is provided electronically in Excel format forstudents on their DVD Roms. This resourceallows students to change the form to meetthe needs of their particular agency.

The classroom instruction portion ofthe course consisted of the following items;• Evidence Considerations - This pre-

pares students with the correct mindsetthat a crash is a crime scene, and theCMV is their evidence. Crime sceneprocedures, evidence recognition,preservation, documentation and col-lection were some of the highlights ofthis class.

• Photography - Outlines how a digitalcamera “sees the world,” basic cameraoperations, and night time photogra-phy techniques.

• Vehicle Mechanics - Focusing particu-larly on brake components and ABSfunctions. This block of instructionwas presented by a representative ofBendix, a manufacturer of brake com-ponents which exposed students to theminutia details of brake systems, fromthe manufacturer’s perspective. It wasthe block of instruction that sets thecourse above and beyond any othersimilar class.

• ECM - included instructions of pre-venting data loss from Engine ControlModules

• EOBR/AOBRD - how to obtain, han-dle, and interpret electronic log data

• FMCSA - the capabilities andresources of the FMCSA and how theycan assist the Post Crash inspector.

• Driver Impairment Awareness - DUIand DUID, driver fatigue and sleep

apnea, and driver focus and interviewing.• Special Problems - outlining how to

design and conduct a research projectas it relates to CMVs and Post CrashInspections

Personnel from various outside agencieshave attended the NSP PCI course.Attending Troopers and Inspectors fromAlaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia,Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, andWyoming have provided positive and sup-portive evaluations of the course. Studentfeedback is not dismissed, but rather usedto influence future courses. Feedback fromthe 2009 participants was directly used toimprove the 2011 curriculum.

The course teaching philosophy wasmodeled after successful forensic programs.Forensic science depends on the expertiseof various professions. The application ofany scientific area of study to legal mattersdefines Forensic Science. Because of thisdefinition, whenever possible, each classwas instructed by an available expert in theassociated topic and instructors used foreach practical scenario were experiencedPost Crash Inspectors. This teachingmethod provided students with up-to-dateinformation from qualified instructors.

In our society the quest for knowledgeoften depends on funding. People’s timeand resources tend to be measured withdollars and cents. Development of theNSP Post Crash Inspection Course provedthat those who seek the truth know itsvalue. The course is a testament to indus-try and government working cooperatively,devoting their time and resources.

The need for the Post Crash InspectionCourse is self evident. The Nebraska StatePatrol will pursue the continual develop-ment of this course, adapting it as needed toCMV manufacturing methods and emerg-ing technologies.These goals cannot be metwithout the dedication, cooperation, andinvestments made by both industry andgovernment. Inspectors must always strivefor methodical, thorough, and forensicexaminations. Seeking truth brings justiceto bear, all for the good of the public.

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In 2011, Troopers Chris Hooper andPaul Rogojin of the Washington StatePatrol saw the need to increase commer-cial vehicle enforcement in the Port ofSeattle area based on the number ofvehicles inspected being placed out ofservice and lack of licensing. UnionPacific and BNSF Railroad Police metwith Troopers Hooper and Rogojinadvising them there are numerous safetyviolations involving vehicular traffic andpedestrians at grade crossings.

Their concerns were numerous andincluded CMVs stopping on the tracks;

running railroad (RR) crossings whilethe train is crossing the intersection;hauling HazMat loads failing to stop atRR crossings; Passenger vehicles runningcrossings while trains are approaching/incrossing; as well as pedestrians trespass-ing on RR property, crossing tracks atundesignated locations, and climbing onor through trains.

In order to address the issues, a part-nership was formed between the twomajor railroads companies and the WSP.Additional partnerships were formedwith other agencies from numerous

jurisdictions. The overall goal was estab-lished to increase freight mobility andthe safety of the general public.

The partnership intends to: Set up amulti-agency enforcement team (taskforce/strike team) to regulate commercialvehicle traffic within and around thePorts of Washington; Assist the railroadwith the rail crossing enforcementstatewide; Show how this project canalso increase safety pertaining toHomeland Security; Fund full-timepositions; and combine resources tomake our state infrastructure safer.

As part of a federally-funded programthe state of Utah has identified fourmajor inappropriate driving behaviorswhich contribute to accidents involvingcommercial motor vehicles with othervehicles traveling on our roadways. Thefour areas identified were: Following toclose or tail gating; improper lanechange; failure to yield; and speeding.

Through this program we have beenable to develop educational outreachprograms and activities to try and helpthe motoring public become more awareof their responsibilities in driving in andaround commercial motor vehicles.Making the public aware that a com-mercial motor vehicle cannot stop in thesame distance as a car, or that commer-cial motor vehicles have blind spots arejust of few of the messages provided.

Our messages are delivered through tvand radio ride alongs and ads as well asbillboards. The trucking industry alsohas donated two 53 foot trailers, whichhave been wrapped with safety mes-sages, and travel daily on our roadwaysand freeways.

Our program also includes enforce-ment activities whereby vehicles iden-tified as demonstrating inappropriatebehaviors are stopped. During each ofthese stops the driver is given an edu-cational pamphlet. Warnings and orcitations are also given out dependingon the circumstances.

Are we making a difference becauseof this program and our efforts? Thenumbers say ‘yes,’ as accidents involvingcommercial motor vehicles with othervehicles are down dramatically.

Washington State Patrol Address CMV Safety Concerns on Rails and RoadsBy Washington State Patrol, Commercial Vehicle Division

Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks in Utah By Sr. Trooper Rick Oaks, Utah Highway Patrol, TACT Program

Manager, CVSA 2011 International Safety Team Leader

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Michigan State Police Increase Truck Enforcement Operations By Michigan State Police, Traffic Safety Division

Working under a grant from the Michigan Truck SafetyCommission, Michigan State Police (MSP) motor carrierofficers will work specialized truck enforcement team(STET) operations until September 30, 2011. During theseSTET operations, motor carrier officers will conduct trafficstops on commercial motor vehicles (CMV) in areas identi-fied as having a high CMV crash rate. The operations willfocus on driver-related behaviors that have proven to con-tribute to CMV crashes, such as speed, lane usage, follow-ing improperly, disobeying a traffic control device andimproper turning. Additionally, officers will be checkingdriver credentials and vehicle equipment to ensure compli-ance with state and federal regulations. Motorists are likelyto see motor carrier officers working in and around restareas and other safe enforcement sites throughout the state.

It is important that all motorists remember these andother key factors regarding truck safety:• Avoid lingering in a truck’s blind spots (if you cannot see

a driver’s face in his/her mirror, it is likely the driver can-not see you).

• Do not pass a truck within one mile of your planned exitto avoid crossing too closely in the truck’s lane of travel.

• Share the road with respect and courtesy.

“To help ensure safe travel this summer, it is essential thatcommercial vehicles and passenger drivers alike drive in arespectful manner, buckle up and adhere to traffic laws,” saidCapt. Harold Love, Commander of the MSP Traffic SafetyDivision and a member of the Michigan Truck SafetyCommission.

The Michigan Truck Safety Commission is committedto enhancing truck safety by providing truck driver educa-tion and training, heightening all drivers’ awareness of theoperational characteristics and limitations of trucks, initi-ating data collection and research and supporting enforce-ment of motor carrier safety laws.

Florida Motor Carrier ComplianceOffice Conducts Motor CoachInspection Detail in OrlandoBy Lt. Jeff Frost, Florida Department of

Transportation, Motor Carrier Compliance Office

The Florida Department of Transportation Office of MotorCarrier Compliance (OMCC) conducted a motor coachinspection detail during high school Grad Night festivities ata major Orlando area theme park. Grad Night is an exclusiveall night event for graduating high school classes. During theevent, which took place over two weekends in April and May,high school students from throughout Florida attended, mosttraveling by charter bus

An operational plan was developed by Capt. MelindaConnell and her staff working closely with park officials.This included a flyer that informed carriers entering the parkthat MCCO personnel were onsite and conducting inspec-tions, and a list of companies that could be contacted by car-riers with out of service violations for back up support.Message boards identifying the inspection area, traffic conesand lighting devices were provided by the park.

As the buses entered the park officers randomly selectedbuses, collected the driver’s paper work and placed a decal onthe windshield identifying the bus as being selected forinspection. After dropping off passengers the buses weredirected back to the inspection area.

A Performance Based Brake Testing (PBBT) machine wasutilized over both weekends. This equipment allows officersto verify the safety and performance of the brakes on motorcoaches that would not have been able to be checked duringa nighttime enforcement detail.

Over the course of the event 26 Department of Trans-portation/Motor Carrier Compliance officers and threeFMCSA agents participated in the detail. Officers conducted291 inspections placing 26 vehicles and 20 drivers out of serv-ice. Officers also issued safety and registration penalties in theamount of $5,215.00.

This is the sixth consecutive year that an inspection detailwas conducted during this event which consistently receivespositive comments from drivers, passengers, and park officialson a successful and professional operation.

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The seventh annual York Regional Police/Ministry of Transportation commercial vehi-cle blitz was held on April 27th and 28th.Over 75 law enforcement officers from ninedifferent government and police agenciesconverged on Canada’s Wonderland Park at6 a.m. on April 27th – All had one goal inmind ‘Commercial Vehicle Safety.’ Thisyear’s two-day event started with greatweather but ended with gale force windswhich forced not only the closing of theinspection site but also numerous highwaysin southern Ontario.

On day one, 205 vehicles were inspect-ed by CVSA-certified inspectors. Ofthese, 66 were placed out of service. Out-of-service violations which were detectedranged from brakes, cargo securement,and lighting systems. A total of 141 vio-lations were found on the vehiclesinspected. Day one also proved industry isdoing a better job. 139 vehicles passedinspections and CVSA decals were placedon the inspected vehicles.

Vehicles were pulled into the inspec-tion site and at times had to wait for an

open inspector. The drivers seemed tounderstand the importance of the vehicleinspections. I walked around and talkedto numerous drivers as they were beinginspected. The drivers I spoke to under-stood how important law enforcement’srole is and were eager to learn from theofficers on site. Yes, this year had aninternational flair. The York RegionalPolice Service recently joined CVSA as alocal member. York Regional Service isthe first local Canadian department tojoin CVSA. Spearheaded by Sgt. JimSlykhuis of the York Regional PoliceService, an invitation was sent to theLocal Committee to participate in thisyear’s Blitz. Myself and three otherPittsburgh Police MCSAP inspectorsmade the trip to assist and learn. It was apleasure to see an inspection detail of thissize and magnitude. The inspectors Iworked with are the finest in the CVSAcommunity. An opportunity like thiscomes along maybe once in an officer’scareer. The Canadian departments havebeen asked to participate in an annual

safety event held in Pittsburgh scheduledfor later this summer.

Day two of the Blitz started with 60kmh winds. Understanding this was anevent which was entirely geared towardsafety a decision had to be made to stop theinspections of vehicles as mother naturestarted to take over. The Ontario ProvincialPolice were called to assist with numeroustractor trailers which were blown over dueto the high winds. “We drove by five trac-tor trailers which were blown over as weattempted to make it back to the States”says Adam Elardo with the PittsburghPolice Department.

“Past Wonderland Blitz’s had in excess of500 commercial vehicles inspected in thetwo day event. Unfortunately mother naturetook control and we had to suspend opera-tions” stated Sgt. Slykhuis. “With the con-tinued support we have from the Ministry ofTransportation and our own CommandStaff we hope to make up for day two inSeptember of this year. We will also be look-ing forward to our eighth annual event inApril of 2012,” said Sgt. Slykhuis.

LOCAL MEMBER NEWS

Pittsburgh Police Team Up With York Canadian Police to ConductCommercial Vehicle BlitzBy Officer R. Thomas Jacques, Pittsburgh (PA) Bureau of Police, MCSAP Coordinator

Grand Prairie, Texas, Police Department Joins CVSABy Inv. Wes Bement, Grand Prairie (TX) Police Department

The Grand Prairie Police Department Commercial Motor VehicleEnforcement Unit in Texas has been an active MCSAP agency since2008 and recently joined as an enforcement member of CVSA. Theteam of two officers, Wes Bement and Mark Calvert inspect over500 vehicles each year. Officer Bement is certified to conduct HMinspections for all categories and Officer Calvert will soon beattending the courses for HM inspections. Additionally, both offi-cers plan on becoming passenger vehicle certified as well.

The Unit, which is supervised by Sgt. Eric Hansen partici-pates in national programs such as Roadcheck and OperationAirbrake. Officer Bement has also helped other agencies inTexas, such as Longview, Killeen, Mansfield, Grapevine, andHurst, get their DOT programs up and running.

The City of Grand Prairie currently has a population of about175,000 and covers approximately 82 square miles. These officers’

are responsible for enforcing the Federal Motor Carrier SafetyRegulations, applicable Texas laws, and ordinances for the City ofGrand Prairie. Recently, both officers attended a regional compe-tition to select two officers to attend the Texas Challenge. This isthe first year that municipal officers have been allowed to partici-pate in Texas. Officer Bement took 2nd place in the regional chal-lenge held in Fort Worth, Texas, in March. He will be heading toCollege Station in June for the state competition.

The unit actively participates in local safety councils in theDFW area and has given presentations to drivers at local com-panies such as Poly-America and Cardinal Trucking. GrandPrairie’s goal is to reduce the number of commercial vehiclecrashes and promote safety in the trucking industry througheducation and enforcement by partnering with our localtrucking companies and shippers.

REGIONAL RAP

WISCONSIN STATE PATROL MOTOR CARRIERENFORCEMENT ANNOUNCES PERSONNEL CHANGESThe Wisconsin State Patrol announced personnel changes in itsMotor Carrier Enforcement Section (MCES) this June. Both Capt.Charles Lorentz and Lt. Patti Hansen both announced their retire-ments. Capt. Lorentz’s last day was June 10. Lt. Hansen’s last daywas June 24. The interim contact for the section will be Maj. SandraHuxtable.

Capt. Lorentz started his career as an Enforcement Cadet in1984 with the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy and was assignedas an Inspector in Eau Claire immediately following his gradua-tion. He was promoted in 1990 to the rank of Inspector Sergeantin Madison then transferred to Eau Claire a year later where hewould serve until 2006 when he was promoted to MCESLieutenant at Division headquarters in Madison. In 2008 Capt.Lorentz was promoted to MCES Captain. During his service, hewas responsible for statewide CMV programs including: MCSAP(Inspection, Compliance Review, New Entrant); Size/Weight;State Mandated Inspection Programs (school bus, motor coach,human service vehicle). “I thank CVSA for all the support it hasgiven to the Wisconsin Motor Carrier Enforcement Program.CVSA is a difference maker – CVSA saves lives. May your successcontinue,” Chuck Lorentz.

Lt. Hansen started with the Patrol in 1984 and was subsequent-ly promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1988 and Lieutenant in1993. Lt. Hansen supervised regional State Patrol trooper andmotor carrier operations until 2000 when she was transferred toCentral headquarters in Madison to work in MCES. After a briefreassignment to the Bureau of Transportation Safety 2002-2004,she was reassigned to Motor Carriers in 2004 with oversight ofstate motor carrier operations. From 2007-2010 she oversaw ofFederal Motor Carrier operations, personnel and facility operationsfor the northern 2/3 of Wisconsin. In 2010, she supervised all stateand federal motor carrier operations for the State of Wisconsinunder Capt. Lorentz. Lt. Hansen reports that her retirement willconsist of traveling to MN, SD and all points where the fishing,golfing and Harley weather cooperate.

CCMTA RECOGNIZES PETER HURST, BOB DOLYNIUKAT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

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CVSA RECOGNIZES CAPT. DAN MEYER, KANSAS HIGHWAY PATROLCapt. Dan Meyer recently retired from the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program. Capt. Meyer servedas Chair of the Driver Traffic-Enforcement Committee for the past two years. He is replaced by Capt. Chris Turner of the KHP. “We willbe losing a remarkable individual,” said Maj. Mark Savage, Colorado State Patrol. “Dan has not only been a remarkable contributor toCVSA, the State of Kansas and to CMV safety but also a very good friend.” While we will miss him at CVSA we hope to continue work-ing with Dan in his new capacity as State Programs Manager in MO. He will excel in his new position! Best of luck, congratulations onyour retirement and we will miss you at CVSA!

Pictured – Top Left: Steve Martin, 2010-2011 CCMTA President, presented PeterHurst, Director, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, with the Distinguished ServiceAward in recognition of outstanding contributions as Chair of the Standing Committeeon Compliance and Regulatory Affairs (2009-2011). Top Right: Steve Martin, 2010-2011 CCMTA President, presented Bob Dolyniuk, Executive Director, ManitobaTrucking Association with the Associate Member Award in recognition of outstandingcontributions to CCMTA (May 2011). Bottom: Bob Dolyniuk, Executive Director,Manitoba Trucking Association, Toronto Police Service Scott Baptist, Kent Speiran,Manager Asset Management, Department of Transportation & Infrastructure Renewal,Steve Martin, 2010-2011 CCMTA President, Mitch Fuhr, Executive Director, DriverPrograms, Alberta Transportation, Kim Benjamin, Director, Road Safety Programs,Transport Canada, Paul Gutoskie, Manager, Road Safety Vision, Road SafetyPrograms, Transport Canada, Peter Hurst, Director, Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

REGIONAL RAP

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NEVADA HIGHWAY PATROL COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTOR RECEIVESMERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD

Last month, Gary Foster, a Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspector forthe Nevada Highway Patrol, was presented with the MeritoriousService Award by Nevada Highway Patrol Capt. Tom Jackson andDepartment Chief Tony Almaraz.

In August 2008, Inspector Foster responded to a passenger buscrash on Interstate 15, south of Las Vegas. During the post crashinspection it was noted that the apparent cause of the crash was thefailure of the left steer tire. Inspector Foster, having concerns aboutthe failure of a relatively new tire and the inability of an experienceddriver to control the vehicle, took it upon himself to gather axleweight specifications for passenger buses. His research revealedthat the make and model year of this particular bus had a suspen-sion design defect that would cause overstressing of the steer tires.This information was forwarded by the Nevada State Patrol to theNational Traffic Safety Board and ultimately led to a nationwiderepair recall of this particular bus model. Inspector Foster’s initiativeand dedication not only unraveled the cause of the mysteriouscrash, but as a result of the repair recall, he has prevented similar,potentially life-threatening, crashes of this bus model.

ARKANSAS HIGHWAY POLICE PARTICIPATE IN CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN

The Arkansas Highway Police participated in the national Click It or TicketCampaign in June. Pictured left to right are Patrol Officer First-Class Sharlote Mixon,SGT Vicky Lee and Patrol Officer First-Class Daniel Morales standing in front of aCIOT banner at AHP headquarters.

MARYLAND STATE POLICE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT TROOPER RECOGNIZED AS TROOPER OF THE YEAR

The first Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle EnforcementTrooper was recently recognized as the State Police Trooper of theYear in addition to being selected by the State Police Alumni astheir Trooper of the Year. In the history of these prestigious awards,only five troopers have been awarded the Agency Trooper of theYear and the Alumni Trooper of the Year in the same year. TrooperFirst Class Robert G. Iman is the first trooper from CVED to beawarded either award and he was selected for both. On June 4th,TFC Iman also won the Maryland Inspectors Competition and willbe competing in the upcoming NAIC event in August.

Iman was nominated by his peers, coworkers and supervisors inrecognition of his effective investigative and communication skills,sustained superior performance and selfless dedication to duty. In2010, TFC Iman issued 804 citations and $253,980 in enforcementrelated fines, including 20 alcohol violations and drunk drivingarrests and 15 suspended or revoked drivers. He conducted morethan 400 commercial vehicle inspections and placed 331 of thosevehicles and drivers, or 81 percent of the vehicles he inspected, outof service. He also made 32 criminal arrests that included a widevariety of fugitives and felons. One investigation was the result ofhis curiosity and systematic follow up of what started as a routinetraffic stop and safety inspection. His investigation uncoveredstolen items being sold as scrap for cash. He organized a covertsurveillance, studied jailhouse interviews, reviewed video surveil-lance tape, used GPS tracking and authored and served search war-rants. TFC Iman’s work resulted in the arrests and convictions ofseveral members of the same family who were involved in a long-running theft ring that operated in three counties and BaltimoreCity. In another investigation, TFC Iman found four stolen motorcy-cles in an unoccupied RV. He worked diligently to identify the RVdriver and ultimately developed an informant who helped himuncover the identity of a number of suspects involved in an organ-ized sport bike theft ring.

TFC Iman accepted the challenge of competing as the CVEDrepresentative in the 2010 Maryland Commercial VehicleInspector’s Competition, in which inspectors from all law enforce-ment agencies compete. He won that competition easily and thenplaced in the top ten in the North American InspectorsCompetition competing against the best inspectors from the U.S.,Canada, and Mexico. He was also named the Maryland MotorTruck Association Inspector of the Year for 2010. According toSgt. Duane Pearce, “The value of TFC Iman as a state trooperwhen considering reliability, competence, thoroughness, depend-ability, leadership, unwavering motivation, and his continued prac-tice of placing the needs of the Commercial Vehicle EnforcementDivision and the State Police ahead of his own can only bedescribed as immeasurable.”

MISSING REFLECTIVE TAPE ON CMV TRIGGERSCLOSER INSPECTION BY COLORADO STATE PATROLTROOPER, LEADS TO FINDING DRIVER WANTED FOR FELONY WARRANT FOR MURDER

On May 20, 2011, Trp. Monty Kinder of the Colorado State Patrolwas patrolling Interstate 70 near Limon, CO when he contacted asemi tractor-trailer headed eastbound that had an inoperative iden-tification light and was missing the upper rear reflective tape. Whileexplaining the violation to the driver, Trp. Kinder noticed that heseemed extremely nervous. This level of nervousness was not con-sistent with the violation he had been stopped for. Upon clearingthe driver through dispatch, Trp. Kinder was informed the driver hadan active felony warrant out of Alabama for murder with a gun. Trp.Kinder had backup en route from a local Sheriff’s Deputy but he wasconcerned that if the driver knew he was about to be arrested on amurder warrant it could potentially initiate a pursuit with an 80,000lb. truck. Wanting to avoid this, Trp. Kinder waited until the deputywas close and then approached the suspect’s vehicle on the passen-ger side. The driver exited the passenger door before Trp. Kindercould reach the tractor. Trp. Kinder immediately placed the driverinto custody for the murder warrant.

As the suspect was getting booked into jail, Trp. Kinder explainedeach of the violations that were noted during the truck inspection.Some of these included a false log book as well as having beer in thecab of the tractor. The driver’s main concern was what would ulti-mately happen to his beer!

WASHINGTON STATE PATROL COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DIVISION ATTENDS GORDON TRUCKING’S SAFETY AWARDS

In April, the Washington State Commercial Vehicle Division attend-ed the safety award banquet for the first ever five-million mile driv-

er team of Jim and Jo Bailey. Thecouple has achieved five-million driv-ing miles without any accidents. Thecouple received a check for 20,000from Gordon. WSP also gave a cer-tificate from the CVD Division. Inaddition to the Baileys, GordonTrucking proudly honor 636 drivingassociates in 2011 with awards of100,000 to five-million accident andincident free miles. Of the 636 driversbeing recognized, 42 were honoredfor one million or more.

In all, GTI currently has 117 driverson the road who have driven morethan one million accident free miles.

MICHIGAN STATE POLICE RECOGNIZED BY FMCSA WITH MOTOR CARRIER SAFETYLEADERSHIP AWARDS

The Michigan State Police (MSP) received two U.S. DOT Motor CarrierSafety Leadership Awards at the National FMCSA LeadershipConference held in Chicago, IL on April 11, 2011. This is the fourthtime in the past five years that the MSP has been recognized for itscommercial vehicle enforcement initiatives at this annual convention.

The 2011 Leadership Award was presented to the Traffic SafetyDivision in recognition of Michigan’s exceptionally low commercialvehicle fatality rate from 2007 to 2009, the latest data available. Thenumber of truck-involved fatalities occurring on Michigan roadwayscontinues to be below the national average. From 2007 through2009, Michigan had a truck-involved fatality rate of 0.10 per 100million total vehicle miles traveled - the lowest in the Midwest andone of the lowest in the nation. The national average for the sametime period was 0.18 per 100 million total vehicle miles traveled.

The Michigan State Police also received the 2011 Leadership Awardfor data quality. This award is in recognition of Michigan’s timelinessand accuracy of commercial vehicle inspection and crash reports.

Capt. Harold J. Love., commanding officer of the MSP TrafficSafety Division, accepted the award on behalf of the MSP. Love cred-ited the state’s success in achieving a high level of commercial motorvehicle safety to the commitment to traffic safety by Michigan’s lawenforcement community, including motor carrier officers assigned tothe Traffic Safety Division, the Michigan Department of Transportation,the Michigan Center for Truck Safety, and the Office of Highway andSafety Planning. Special recognition also went to members of the MSPCriminal Justice Information Center, who ensure crash reports areprocessed in a timely and accurate manner.

The annual conference is attended by representatives of statecommercial vehicle enforcement agencies from all 50 states.

DOING MORE: ALBERTA’S SLAVE LAKE DISTRICT CMVENFORCEMENT PITCHES IN TO HELP EVACUATIONBy Sgt. Rob Livingston 6338, Commercial VehicleEnforcement, Slave Lake District

The Slave Lake Royal CanadianMounted Police (RCMP) proved thatcommercial vehicle inspectors go aboveand beyond when serving their localjurisdictions. On May 15, 2011, theSlave Lake RCMP was called upon toassist at roadblocks for the mandatoryevacuation of Widewater and CanyonCreek, about 20 km. west of Slave Laketo help prevent citizens from returningto their homes during the evacuation.Slave Lake RCMP maintained the road-blocks and used Carillion work trucks toescort people through the fire andsmoke affected areas to safety.

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Trooper Renee Padgett and her son attend the GordonSafety Awards.

Statistics show that approximately oneout of four railroad crossing crashesinvolve vehicles whose drivers arerequired to carry a Commercial DriverLicense (CDL). To provide truck driverswith information they need to safely nav-igate over a highway-rail grade crossing,Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) on June9 unveiled the Rail Safety Challenge, anew videogame-style online experiencethat puts drivers behind the wheel of atruck for a ‘virtual’ road trip. OperationLifesaver released the interactive onlinelearning program at press conferences inHarrisburg, PA and five other statesacross the U.S. Safety partners fromCVSA attended the Harrisburg event.

Operation Lifesaver is a national,non-profit safety education group whosegoal is to eliminate deaths and injuries atrailroad crossings and along railroadrights of way. It has programs in all 50states with trained and certified presen-ters who provide free safety talks to raiseawareness around tracks and trains.

“Total highway-rail vehicle incidentsand crashes involving CDL vehiclesincreased in 2010 from 2009,” saidOperation Lifesaver Inc. President

Helen M. Sramek. “As the leader inhighway-rail grade crossing safety edu-cation, OLI is pleased to offer truckingcompanies, independent drivers andother safety organizations the opportu-nity to use this state of the art safety pro-gram designed specifically for profes-sional truck drivers,” Sramek said.

In addition to the launch inPennsylvania, trucking industry represen-tatives, law enforcement organizations, andrailroad companies joined OperationLifesaver officials at events to launch theRail Safety Challenge program inAlabama, California, Mississippi, Missouriand Texas, Sramek noted.

A preview of the Rail Safety forProfessional Drivers e-Learning pro-gram is available at http://bit.ly/kcFLL5.The e-Learning program was made pos-sible by a grant from the FederalRailroad Administration.

In her remarks at the Harrisburglaunch of the Rail Safety Challenge,Sramek noted that the fatality and injuryrates for commercial motor vehicles over-all are well below those of other motorvehicles. “However,” she said, “an incidentinvolving a large truck and a train at a rail-road crossing has the potential for greaterconsequences. There are the personal costsfaced by family and friends - potentialdeath or severe injuries to drivers and traincrew members. These incidents also incurcosts for damaged equipment, lost timeand productivity for trucking companiesand railroad companies; inconvenienceand lost productivity for motorists forcedto find alternative routes around a closedcrossing; and the impact on the communi-ties that provide law enforcement andemergency responder resources.”

Sramek also noted that vehicle-traincollisions are largely preventable, if driv-

ers adhere to the warning signs, watchand listen for the train, and resist anytemptation to beat the train. “For truckdrivers, good training and experience cantruly make the difference between lifeand death,” she stated.

The e-Learning program’s simulateddriving environment allows drivers towork independently and exposes them toworst-case scenarios that require quickthinking and critical decision-making.“Our goal as we launch this new safetyprogram is to ensure that every CDL driv-er has the information they need to safelycross a highway-rail grade crossing, everysingle time,” concluded Sramek.

Individual drivers can go online totake the Rail Safety Challenge atwww.oli.org. (Under Quick Links in thetop left corner, click on “Pro Driver e-Learning.”) There is no charge for indi-vidual professional drivers to participate.The course does not capture scores,names or email addresses, only the num-ber of people who complete theChallenge. Large companies who wishto incorporate this program into theirtraining should contact OperationLifesaver at 1-800-537-6224.

Operation Lifesaver Unveils Rail Safety Challenge: A “Virtual” LearningProgram for Professional Truck Drivers

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Safety partners launch Operation Lifesaver's ProDriverSafety Challenge at the PA Highway State Patrol. PARoad Team Member Robert Dolan (in the cab),Professional Driver for Conway. Left to right: Jim Runk,President/CEO, PA Motor Truck Association; HelenSramek, President, Operation Lifesaver; Maj. HarveyCole, Director, Bureau of Patrol; Tim Cotler, Administrator,PA Commercial Vehicle Safety Administration and DonLubinsky, Operation Lifesaver PA Coordinator.

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A S S O C I A T E M E M B E R N E W S

The American Transportation ResearchInstitute (ATRI), the trucking industry’snot-for-profit research organization,recently released the findings of its 2011update to An Analysis of the OperationalCosts of Trucking. The research, whichidentified trucking costs from 2009 andthe first quarter of 2010 derived directlyfrom fleet operations, will provide carri-ers with an important high-level bench-marking tool and government agencieswith an accurate dataset for future infra-structure improvement analyses.

“Given the essential role that truckingplays in freight transportation, quantifyingthe value of proposed infrastructureimprovements depends on real-worldindustry data. As a result, ATRI’s opera-tional costs data will be a critical input to thetransportation planning process,” said TedDahlburg, Manager of Freight Planning for

the Delaware Valley Regional PlanningCommission, the Metropolitan PlanningOrganization for the Philadelphia-Camden-Trenton region.

ATRI identified 2008, 2009 and firstquarter 2010 cost per mile and cost perhour figures stratified by fleet size, sectorand region of the country. Based onfeedback from the 2008 study, the per-truck speed calculation methodology wasrevised to better reflect the range ofspeeds at which trucks operate.

The average marginal cost per milewas $1.45 in 2009 and $1.49 in the firstquarter of 2010 for the for-hire segmentof the industry. These figures were lowerthan the average marginal cost per mileof $1.65 found in the revised 2008 analy-sis. Fuel and driver wages (excludingbenefits) continued to be the largest costcenters for carriers, constituting 58 per-

cent of the average operating costs in thefirst quarter of 2010.

“Fleets are extremely sensitive to eventhe smallest change in operating costsgiven the razor thin margins under whichwe operate and we need to manage ourcosts more effectively than ever,” com-mented Terry Croslow, Chief OperatingOfficer and Chief Financial Officer ofBestway Express, Inc. “ATRI’s study pro-vides an important tool for monitoringand benchmarking our expenses.”

A copy of this report is available fromATRI at www.ATRI-online.org.

ATRI is the trucking industry’s501(c)(3) not-for-profit research organiza-tion. It is engaged in critical research relat-ing to freight transportation’s essential rolein maintaining a safe, secure and efficienttransportation system.

ATRI Releases Updated Operational Costs ofTrucking Report

CVSA would like tothank all our annualsponsors who are

committed to helpingthe Alliance achieveits goals throughout

North America. Thesecompanies make the investment in

safety and underscorethe old adage that it

pays to be safe.

CVSA Thanks Our Annual Sponsors

A yearlong process for reviewing and revising the guidelineon crash data collection has begun, and comments on theguideline can be submitted online and at a meeting later thisyear. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) ismanaging the update process with funding from the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administration.

MMUCC - the Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria- is a voluntary Guideline that helps states determine whatcrash data to collect for a wide range of traffic safety planningapplications. The 3rd Edition of MMUCC, adopted in 2008,is available at www.mmucc.us.

“States that incorporate MMUCC data elements intotheir crash reporting forms and data systems are surprised athow easy the Guideline is to use and how consistent the rec-ommended data elements are with crash data they are alreadycollecting,” said Barbara Harsha, GHSA Executive Director.

A MMUCC Expert Panel consisting of state and local lawenforcement officials, state traffic records coordinators, statedepartment of transportation representatives, state healthofficials, members of the research community and officialsfrom five federal agencies has been organized to oversee theupdate effort. The Expert Panel is particularly interested incapturing data for emerging issues (such as distracted drivingcrashes, crashes involving unconventional vehicles, not-on-traffic way incidents) and better defining serious injury crash-es and speeding-related crashes.

The Panel is seeking comments to help them with the goalof producing an improved 4th Edition of MMUCC early nextyear and is asking stakeholders to log on to the Forum sectionof the website and submit comments to help make this resourcethe best it can be for safety stakeholders across the country.

A MMUCC meeting will also be held in conjunction with the2011 Traffic Records Forum which is being held July 31 to August3 in Charlotte,NC.At the meeting Wednesday afternoon,August3, stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide input into the next edition of MMUCC. For additional information on theForum please visit http://www.trafficrecordsforum.org.

The Web Sling & Tie Down Association (WSTDA) ispleased to announce the recent publication of its newly-developed Recommended Standard Specification for LoadBinders Used With Chain Tie Downs (WSTDA-T-6). Thestandard applies to load binders designed to accommodatechain tie downs for the purpose of securing cargo. Thisstandard recommends construction as well as identificationand marking of these load binders. In addition, it givesimportant practical advice on use, maintenance and inspec-tion of these binders.

WSTDA is a non-profit, technical association dedicatedto the development and promotion of voluntary recommend-ed standards and associated reference materials. Members ofthe WSTDA include manufacturers and suppliers of synthet-ic web slings and tie downs, polyester roundslings, syntheticwebbing, fibers, thread and related components. For moreinformation, contact WSTDA at (443) 640-1070 orwww.wstda.com. To order a copy of the T-6 Standard, go tohttp://www.wstda.com/ products/index.cfm.

WSTDA’s Legal Resource Committee has completed itsdevelopment of a uniform/defensible product warning mes-sage. Committee members worked with Dr. Stephen Young,Applied Safety and Ergonomics, Inc. (ASE), a human factorsexpert, on this important initiative. The WSTDA is pleasedto offer a completely new set of warnings products availablein English, Spanish and French. The new warnings includefabric warning labels for web slings, roundslings and tiedowns; and folded paper safety bulletins for web slings,roundslings and tie downs.

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Comments on Crash DataGuidelines Sought Traffic Records Forum Meeting Date and Location Set

Newly-Developed Load BindersUsed With Chain Tie DownsStandard Released

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R A D I N S P E C T I O N N E W S

Level VI Classes Scheduled for 2011/12

Under a cooperative agreement withU.S. DOE, CVSA has scheduled theLevel VI classes for the first part of2012 to certify inspectors to conductLevel VI inspections on all transuranicwaste and Highway Route ControlledQuantities (HRCQ) of radioactivematerials. CVSA provides Level VItraining to inspectors who meet the pre-requisite of being Level I and HazMatcertified. The following are the remain-ing classes scheduled:

n Las Vegas, NV–August 22-25

n Sacramento, CA–October 17-20

n Austin, TX–November 7-10

n Phoenix, AZ–February 15-16, 2012Level VI “Train the Trainer” Course

Any state interested hosting a class orneeds inspectors trained is asked to con-tact Larry D. Stern, Director, Level VIProgram, at [email protected] or 301-830-6147.

RAD Inspection News is madepossible under a CooperativeAgreement with the U.S.Department of Energy.

CVSA Scheduling 2012 Level VI Classes

CVSA is planning the 2012 Level VI Basic Classes for radioactive shipments inspec-tion program. Under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy,CVSA will schedule eight class for inspecting motor carriers and their driver transport-ing transuranic waste and Highway Route Controlled Quantities (HRCQ) shipmentsof radioactive material.

Under the cooperative agreement, CVSA will provide the Level VI training to juris-dictional inspectors who meet the prerequisite (CVSA Level I and HazMat certified).

Any jurisdiction that needs inspectors trained and/or can host a Level VI Class in2012 is asked to contact Larry D. Stern at [email protected] or at 301-830-6147.

Dear Mr. Stern:

I recently attended the industry awareness class and CVSA Level VI

program this March in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, as a driver for

Visionary Solutions LLC.

I'd like to share some of my thoughts regarding the class structure and instructors.

The materials presented provided me with a new appreciation as to the

mission and importance of the CVSA programs.

I feel the benefits I gained by these classes make me a better representa-

tive of my employer as well as the industry in which I'm employed, it also

raises the bar of excellence in my duties as a professional driver.

However I know this would not have been accomplished without the

extremely qualified and dedicated instructors we had at those classes. One

that especially comes to mind is Mr. Rion Stann. His ability to sense when a

student was not quite grasping a concept, or was completely lost in the

"Regs" is a true mark of an inspired instructor. His genuine concern regard-

ing some of our questions and making us feel comfortable, taking the time

to and them to our individual satisfaction was refreshing to someone who

has not attended a classroom environment for some time now.

I'd like to point out his class time management, providing enough time for

"trucker stories" but still keeping us focused on the content of the class.

I'd like to thank you and your staff for your professionalism and wishing you

many more successful presentations as I experienced this March.

Sincerely,

Theodore W. Fritsch

THEODORE W. FRITSCH

CARLSBAD, NEW MEXICO

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Naval Spent Nuclear FuelShipmentsSince 1957, the Naval NuclearPropulsion Program has made over 800container shipments of naval spent fuelto the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).These shipments have all been donesafely with no release of radioactivity andno injury to workers or the public.

Upon refueling/defueling of reactors,all naval spent nuclear fuel is transportedto the Naval Reactors Facility (located atINL) for examination to confirm per-formance of current fuel and to improvethe design of fuel for future ships. Forexample, the first nuclear-powered subma-rine, USS Nautilus (SSN 571), was refu-eled after her first two years of operationsteaming about 62,000 miles. Today’snuclear-powered attack submarine willnot require refueling during its 33-year lifeas it steams more than one million miles.

These spent nuclear fuel shipmentsare essential to maintaining and improv-ing the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered air-craft carriers and submarines includehigh-speed, independence from under-way refueling, strategic and tactical flexi-bility, higher state of readiness uponarrival at destination, and submarinestealth at any speed.• 11 aircraft carriers (one more under

construction).

• 71 submarines (four more underconstruction).

• Over forty-five percent of the U.S.Navy’s warships are nuclear powered.

The U.S. Navy operates these shipswith a strong commitment to safety andenvironmental protection. As a matterof public record, the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered ships have collectively steamedmore than 145 million miles and accu-mulated over 6,300 reactor-years ofoperating experience without a reactoraccident or adverse impact on the publicor the environment.

Naval Spent Nuclear Fuel Shipping ContainersNaval spent nuclear fuel is packaged forshipment in formidable containers whichmeet or exceed all requirements of theNaval Nuclear Propulsion Program(NNPP), the Nuclear RegulatoryCommission, and the Department ofTransportation.

Conservative engineering analysis,detailed calculations, scale model testing,and computer modeling demonstratethat the containers are designed to with-stand severe real world accidents andremain safe. The regulatory accidentperformance standards that the contain-er must withstand are:

• A 30-foot drop onto an unyieldingsurface;

• A 1475-degree Fahrenheit fullyengulfing fire for at least 30 minutes;

• Immersion in 50 feet of water;• A drop onto a 6-inch diameter verti-

cal metal rod; and,• Combinations of these events.

Radiation levels outside of the ship-ping container are extremely low and areno threat to human health. Typical radi-ation levels on the outside of shippingcontainers with naval spent nuclear fuelinside are about 100 times less than theDepartment of Transportation strictsafety limits.

Collectively, these robust containershave travelled safely over 1.5 millionmiles throughout the U.S. with spentnuclear fuel sealed inside of them.

Naval Spent Fuel CharacteristicsIn addition to the robust nature of theshipping containers, the contents (navalspent nuclear fuel) are also extremelyrugged.• Naval fuel is solid, metal material.• Naval fuel contains no flammable,

explosive, or corrosive materials.• Naval fuel is designed to protect the

warship’s crew by fully containingthe uranium fuel and all of its

United States Naval Nuclear PropulsionProgram Successfully Ships Spent Nuclear Fuelfor More Than 50 Years


41

radioactive fission products pro-duced during operation.

• Naval fuel is built to withstandcombat battle shock-forces well inexcess of 50 times the force ofgravity; more than 100 times theforce of a severe earthquake.

These are the same characteristicsof naval nuclear fuel that make reactoroperations safe for shipment in robusttransportation container.

Naval Spent Fuel Shipping PracticesThe following shipping practices areused for naval spent fuel shipments:• Shipments are escorted by special-

ly-trained and armed Navy couri-ers who maintain constant surveil-lance of the shipments and com-munication with the same track-ing center used for nuclearweapons shipments. These couri-ers would act as on-board firstresponders in the event of a trans-portation incident.

• Dry shipments have no water incontainers during shipment.

• Shipment location and status aremonitored constantly.

• Government-owned railcars arestrictly inspected and regularlymaintained.

• Shipments are coordinated inadvance with railroad police andoperations personnel.

Periodic shipment accidentexercises since 1996 have takenplace in Bremerton, WA; Norfolk,VA; Idaho Falls, ID; Portsmouth,NH; Topeka, KS; Kenova, WV;and, Denver CO:

On the Road with WIPP’sExternal EmergencyManagement Program

First responders near Bossier City, LA underwent a

mock training scenario last month designed to test

their response skills related to any potential incident

involving transuranic (TRU) waste shipments through

the area to WIPP.

The scenario was part of a WIPP transportation

exercise. Area first responder agencies involved had

taken Modular Emergency Response Radiological

Transportation Training (MERRTT) provided by WIPP

instructors along routes used for shipping TRU

waste to the underground repository near Carlsbad,

NM. An accident scenario is usually the final compo-

nent of the training, which is held once every two

years in a WIPP transportation region. First respon-

ders include EMT’s, firefighter and police officers.

“WIPP’s transportation system has been repeat-

edly called the safest in the industry,” said Bill

Mackie, Institutional Affairs Manager for the

Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Carlsbad Field

Office. “This training is an important component of

that designation. Our goal is to have first respon-

ders along our transportation routes prepared for

even the most unlikely worst-case scenarios.”

GuardianR A D I N S P E C T I O N N E W S

• Regional outreach exercise with hostState in that region.

• Opportunity for civilian emergencyservices personnel and interestedpolitical leaders to learn about navalspent fuel shipments.

• Opportunity for civilian emergencypersonnel to interact with shipmentescorts.

• Opportunity to train personnel onand practice emergency actions forresponse to an accident scenario,including communications and pub-lic affairs.

• Lesson-learned: Coordinated,collaborative response of shipper(NNPP), carrier (railroad) andcivilian authorities (State, Tribe,local) is crucial.

ConclusionThe formidable construction of naval spentfuel shipping containers and the rugged fuel,along with the precautions taken duringshipment of naval fuel, have been successfulin ensuring every shipment conducted overthe last 50 years has been done so safely.

Typical Naval Spent Fuel ShippingRoutes are through the following states:Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana,Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado,Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

Naval spent fuel shipments are safe.

24/7 shipment emergency number412-476-5000 (Bettis Laboratory).Questions 412-476-7265 (Naval spentfuel Transportation Office).

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Visit CVSA's Level VI Website for the Minutes of the Level VI Program in Chicago

The Blue Ribbon Commission (BRC) onAmerican’s Nuclear Future has publisheda draft report from its Subcommittee onTransportation and Storage. The reportrecommends that the nation “establishone or more consolidated interim storagefacilities as part of an integrated, compre-hensive plan for managing the back endof the nuclear fuel cycle.” The commis-sioners noted that this “central and mostimportant” recommendation is not a newone, having been made by “numerousexpert panels going back over 30 years.”If the subcommittee’s third recommenda-tion is followed, first in line for receipt atsuch a consolidated storage facility wouldbe the spent fuel currently in storage atdecommissioned reactor sites. The sub-committee members observed that tomake consolidated storage a reality, DOEand the utilities would have to modify the

standard disposal contracts that establishthe order in which spent fuel will beaccepted. In yet another storage-relatedrecommendation, any new storage facili-ties would be managed by “a new organ-ization that would assume primaryresponsibility for the nation’s spent fueland high-level nuclear waste program.”The subcommittee deferred to theBRC’s Disposal Subcommittee to rec-ommend what that new organizationshould look like.

Despite the significant focus on stor-age, the report does cover a good deal ofground related to transportation-whichthe subcommittee describes as “a cruciallink in the overall storage and disposalsystem.” Recommendation # 5 gives anod to the role of states in transporta-tion planning: “The Subcommitteebelieves that state, tribal and local offi-

cials should be extensively involved intransportation planning and should begiven the resources necessary to dis-charge their roles and obligations in thisarena.” Interestingly, the report recom-mends that DOE should not only final-ize the policy and procedures for imple-menting Section 180 (c) financial assis-tance, but actually “begin to providesuch funding, independent fromprogress on facility sitting.” Section 180(c) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act(NWPA) requires the Secretary ofEnergy to provide funding and techni-cal assistance to states and tribes affect-ed by shipments conducted as a result ofthe NWPA. Acknowledging that “itwould be premature to fully fund atechnical assistance program beforeknowing with some certainty where thedestination sites for spent fuel are goingto be,” the subcommittee believes therewould be “benefits from a “modest earlyinvestment.”

The BRC accepted comments on thedraft report until July 1, 2011.According to BRC co-chairs BrentScowcroft and Lee Hamilton, after theBRC releases its draft report compilingall findings and recommendations, thecommission will host additional publicmeetings and give the public otheropportunities to review and comment onthe draft report. Watch the BRC’s web-site for more details. BRC’s website is onthe DOE’s site.

The most up-to-date information on the CVSA’s Level VI Inspection Program is located on CVSA’s website, includingthe minutes of the Level VI Program Committee, Level VI training and public out-reach schedules and other informa-tion. Also, you can ask questions concerning the Level VI Inspection Program on the Level VI Online Forum (blog). Visitwww.cvsa.org – click on Programs, then click on the Level VI radiation symbol and you are in the Level VI website.

Blue Ribbon Commission SubcommitteePublishes Draft Report

GuardianR A D I N S P E C T I O N N E W S

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)held public hearings in April, 2011 on adraft Environmental Impact Statement forthe Disposal of Greater-Than-Class C(GTCC) Low-Level Radioactive Waste(LLRW) and GTCC-Like Waste(DOE/EIS-0375D, Draft EIS) as requiredunder the National Environmental PolicyAct. The Public hearings were held in sev-eral locations New Mexico in April.

GTCC LLRW consists of a smallvolume of low-level, radioactive wastegenerated throughout the U.S. as theresult of U.S. Nuclear RegulatoryCommission (NRC) and AgreementState licensed activities, including pro-duction of electricity from nuclear powerplants; the production and use ofradioisotopes for diagnostics and treat-ment of cancer and other illnesses; oiland gas exploration; and other industrialuses. “GTCC-like” waste consists ofDOE owned or generated LLRW andpotential non-defense transuranic wastewhich is similar to GTCC LLRW andfor which there is currently no availabledisposal capability.

The DOE’s draft EIS, put togetherafter public scoping meetings were heldin 2007, evaluates potential alternativesfor disposal at six, federally-owned sitesand generic commercial sites. The draftEIS analyzes methods (geologic reposi-tory, above grade vault, enhanced nearsurface trench, and intermediate depthborehole) for disposal at locationsincluding the Hanford Site, ID National

Laboratory, Los Alamos NationalLaboratory, Nevada National SecuritySite, Savannah River Site, the WasteIsolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and theWIPP vicinity. In addition, the draftEIS evaluates generic commercial dis-posal sites in four regions of the U.S.The DOE is also examining a no actionalternative.

GTCC LLRW and GTCC-likewaste does not include spent nuclear fuelor high-level waste. The total volume ofGTCC LLRW and GTCC-like wastecurrently in storage is approximately1,100 cubic meters. Over the next 60years, the draft EIS estimates that onaverage, an additional 175 cubic meterswill be generated each year from com-mercial and DOE activities, primarilyfrom cleanup operations.

DOE does not have, and does notidentify, a “preferred alternative” fortheir disposal of GTCC and GTCC-like waste. DOE will include a pre-ferred alternative in the final EIS basedon the analysis in the draft EIS and pub-lic comments received. The preferredalternative could be a combination oftwo or more alternatives, based on thecharacteristics of the waste and otherkey factors. Before DOE makes a finaldecision on a disposal method or loca-tions, DOE must submit a report toCongress that includes a description ofthe alternatives under consideration andawait action by Congress.

Public comments were gathered beforeJune 27, 2011. The draft EIS and relatedinformation are available at the GTCCEIS website at http://www.gtcceis.anl.gov.

DOE Holds Public Hearings on Disposal of Greater-Than-Class C Low-Level Radioactive Waste

43

WIPP SHIPMENTS & DISPOSAL INFORMATIONShipments Received as of May 23, 2011

Site Shipments Loaded Miles

Argonne National Laboratory 95 162,773

GE Vallecitos Nuclear Center 32 44,800

Idaho National Laboratory 4,695 6,532,656

Los Alamos National Laboratory 789 269,838

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory 18 24,804

Nevada Test Site 48 57,312

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 112 150,416

Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site 2,045 1,446,444

Hanford Site 541 978,128

Savannah River Site 1,214 1,844,480

Total to WIPP 9,589 11,511,651

44

Second Quarter 2011 www.cvsa.org

PRESIDENTCapt. Steve DowlingCalifornia Highway Patrol

VICE PRESIDENT Maj. David PalmerTexas Department of Public Safety

SECRETARY/TREASURER Lt. Thomas KellyMaine State Police

CVSA Executive Committee, Committee & Program Chairs

REGION PRESIDENTS Region I Sgt. David MedeirosRhode Island State Police

Region II Capt. Craig MedcalfOklahoma Highway Patrol

Region III Maj. Mark SavageColorado State Patrol

Region IV Lt. Bruce PolleiUtah Highway Patrol

Region V Steve CallahanAlberta Transportation, Commercial Vehicle

Enforcement

LOCAL PRESIDENT Tom JacquesPittsburgh Bureau of Police

REGION VICE PRESIDENTS (Non-Voting)Region I Sgt. Raymond WeissNew York State Police

Region II Vacant

Region III Alan MartinPublic Utilities Commission of Ohio

Region IV Capt. Chris MayrantNew Mexico Department of Public Safety

Region V Reg WightmanManitoba Infrastructure and Transportation

LOCAL VICE PRESIDENTRobert MillsFort Worth Police Department

PAST PRESIDENTS Francis (Buzzy) France, Maryland State Police Darren E. Christle, Manitoba Infrastructure

and TransportationCapt. John E. Harrison, Georgia Department

of Public Safety

GOVERNMENT NON-VOTING MEMBERS William (Bill) Quade, Federal Motor Carrier

Safety Administration (FMCSA) William (Bill) Arrington, Transportation

Security Administration (TSA)Doug MacEwen, Canadian Council of Motor

Transport Administrators (CCMTA), CRA ChairMauricio Hinojosa, Secretaria de

Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT)Adolfo Spinola, Secretarìa de Seguridad Publica,

Policìa Federal Preventiva

ASSOCIATE NON-VOTING MEMBER Larry Bizzell, Chair Associate AdvisoryCommittee, FedEx Express

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Associate Advisory Larry Bizzell Committee FedEx Express Driver-Traffic Enforcement Lt. Thomas FitzgeraldCommittee Massachusetts State PoliceHazardous Materials Sgt. Thomas FullerCommittee New York State PoliceInformation Systems Capt. William ( Jake) ElovirtaCommittee Vermont Department of Motor VehiclesPassenger Carrier Lt. Donald Bridge, Jr.Committee Connecticut Department of Motor VehiclesProgram Initiatives Sgt. William (Don) RhodesCommittee South Carolina State Transport PoliceSize and Weight Capt. Jay ThompsonCommittee Arkansas Highway PoliceTraining Committee Capt. Craig Medcalf

Oklahoma Highway PatrolVehicle Committee Kerri Wirachowsky

Ontario Ministry of Transportation

44

PROGRAM CHAIRS

Level VI Inspection Carlisle SmithPublic Utilites Commission of Ohio

COHMED Capt. William (Bill) ReeseIdaho State Police

International Safety Team Capt. Bill DofflemyerMaryland State Police

Saved by the Belt Sgt. David MedeirosRhode Island State Police

Operation Safe Driver Lt. Col. Jack HegartyArizona Department of Public Safety

Operation Airbrake John MeedSaskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure

Roadcheck Lt. Mike JunkinAlabama Depatrment of Public Safety

North American Inspectors Paul TamburelliChampionship (NAIC) Checkmark Vehicle Safety Services Inc.

ABF Freight System, Inc.AMBEST, Inc.

Cambridge Systematics, Inc.Chesapeake Energy Corporation

Coach USACode Corporation

Compliance Safety Systems, LLCDATTCO, Inc.

DiSilva CompaniesGreyhound Canada Transportation

CorporationGreyhound Lines, Inc.

Intermodal Association of North AmericaJB Hunt Transport, Inc.

Landstar Transportation LogisticsNational Truck Tank Carriers, Inc.

New York State Motor Truck Association

Ohio Trucking AssociationOld Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

PrevostSYSCO Corporation

Tennessee Steel Haulers, Inc.United Motorcoach AssociationWal-Mart Transportation, LLC

YRC Worldwide, Inc.

Applus+ Technologies Arizona Trucking Association

Austin Powder CompanyContinental Corporation

DEKRA America, Inc.Great West Casualty Company

Groendyke Transport, Inc.HELP, Inc.

May Trucking Company

Mercer Transportation CompanyR+L Carriers, Inc.

Schlumberger Technology Corporation Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association

STEMCOTML Information Services, Inc.

Tyson Foods, Inc. Vehicle Inspection Systems, Inc.

A & R Transport, Inc.CheckMark Vehicle Safety Services, Inc.

International Road Dynamics, Inc.James Burg Trucking Company

J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc.RSC Equipment RentalU-Haul International

2011 CVSA SPONSORSDIAMOND

Academy Express, LLCAce Doran Hauling & Rigging, Inc.

Boyle TransportationBrown Line, LLC

ContainerPort Group, Inc. Daecher Consulting Group, Inc.

Dibble Trucking, Inc.East Penn Mfg. Co., Inc.

Greatwide Truckload ManagementHoffman Transportation, LLC

H.R. Ewell, Inc.Illinois Portable Truck Inspection, Inc.

Intercomp CompanyJames A. Turner, Inc.

Lynden, Inc.

Mid-West Truckers AssociationMr. Safety-Check Systems, Inc.

New Jersey Motor Truck Association Pitt Ohio Express, LLC

RegScan, Inc.The Besl Transfer Co.Warren Transport, Inc.

Zonar Systems

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SUMMER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGAugust 8, 2011Orlando, FL

NAIC 2011August 8 – 13, 2011Orlando, FL

BRAKE SAFETY WEEK 2011September 11 – 17, 2011

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGSeptember 25, 2011Austin, TX

2011 CVSA ANNUALCONFERENCE & EXHIBITIONSeptember 26 – 29, 2011Austin, TX

OPERATION SAFE DRIVER 2011October 16 – 22, 2011

NORTH AMERICAN CARGOSECUREMENT HARMONIZATIONPUBLIC FORUMNovember 29, 2011Montreal, QC, Canada

2012 COHMED CONFERENCEJanuary 30 – February 3, 2012Newport Beach, CA

Presorted Standard

US POSTAGE

PAIDBALTIMORE, MD

PERMIT # 33616303 Ivy Lane, Suite 310Greenbelt, MD 20770-6319

New This Year!

CMV SAFETY SHOWCASESeptember 26 & 27, Noon–1:30 P.M.

Located directly across the street andin front of the Hilton Austin, the CMVSafety Showcase will be the site oflive demonstrations of active safetytechnologies and products that areenhancing the safety of commercialvehicles. Attendees are also invited toparticipate in our Texas cookoutwhich will be held at the CMV SafetyShowcase on both days!

CVSA Gaurdian 3rd Quarter 2011

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