Security & Safety Briefs - May 12 - May 18
The Latest Headlines:
- Senate Passes Seat-Belt Amendment
- Study Says Security Is a Major Shipping Concern
- Officials Predict More Strong Hurricanes This Year
- Airport to Use Eye-Scanning Technology
- Study Says Security Is a Major Shipping Concern
Senate Passes Seat-Belt Amendment
The Senate passed an amendment Tuesday that would increase grants for safety programs to states that allow police to stop motorists who don't wear seat belts even when there is no other traffic violation, the Associated Press reported.The measure was within the Senate’s six-year highway bill, which still must be reconciled with a House version passed in March.
Law enforcement officials nationwide are in the midst of a “Click It or Ticket” campaign scheduled to run through June 5 aimed at getting drivers buckling up or risk getting a ticket, even if they have not committed any other violations, news reports said. Transport Topics
Study Says Security Is a Major Shipping Concern
A new report released by the International Cargo Security Council said the security of ocean cargo containers is the top concern for major importers and exporters.The report, which was produced for the ICSC by the consulting firm A.T. Kearney, found that most executives believe the use of radio frequency Identification “smart boxes” could enhance security and improve visibility.
The council released the report at its annual conference in Orlando Tuesday.
Besides security, the study found cargo executives were about concerned reducing inventories and minimizing the loss of containers. Transport Topics
Officials Predict More Strong Hurricanes This Year
The East Coast and Gulf Coast regions could be in for another season of strong hurricanes, the Associated press reported Monday.Conrad Lautenbacher, head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, predicted 12 to 15 tropical storms, with up to nine becoming hurricanes, and three to five of those major hurricanes with winds of at least 111 miles per hour, AP said.
One weather forecaster told CNBC Tuesday the damage could exceed $6.5 billion. The hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.
On average, the United States is hit by two major hurricanes every three years. Last year, several major hurricanes pounded Florida and the Gulf Coast. Transport Topics
Airport to Use Eye-Scanning Technology
New security equipment at Orlando International Airport will scan people’s irises as a way to identify potential terrorists.The technology is part of the new Airport Access Control Pilot Program, according to Local 6 News, an Orlando television station.
Passengers would have to stand in front of a special mirror attached to a computer to determine their identities, the station said on its Web site Thursday.
The station said the Orlando test will last for 90 days and could be expanded to include more airports around the country. Transport Topics
