Security & Safety Briefs - Sept. 8 - Sept. 14

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The Latest Headlines:

• NHTSA Proposes Mirrors, Video for Class 3-6 Trucks
• CVSA Moves Fall Workshop From Gulf Region
• DHS Sets $140 Mln. in Port Security Grants

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NHTSA Proposes Mirrors, Video for Class 3-6 Trucks

The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration has proposed that trucks weighing between 10,000 and 26,000 pounds add more mirrors or video systems to reduce deaths caused by blind spots when they back up.

NHTSA said in a Federal Register notice Monday that it wants the equipment on the estimated 365,000 so-called straight trucks, in Classes 3-6, which are smaller than Class 7 and 8 trucks.

Straight trucks, with a single chassis for the cab and cargo area, are up to 17 times as likely as automobiles to be involved in accidents while backing up, NHTSA said.

NHTSA estimates the annual cost to truck makers for the additional safety devices would be about $77 million. The agency decided to take the action after asking for comments in 2000. Transport Topics

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CVSA Moves Fall Workshop From Gulf Region

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance said it has moved its CVSA Fall Workshop to Indianapolis on Sept. 24-29, from previously scheduled Biloxi, Miss., due to damage in that region from Hurricane Katrina.

CVSA said its members — police and other safety-enforcement officials in the U.S., Canada and Mexico — recognize the monumental task of rebuilding the Gulf coast area.

A large part of that task is ensuring that highways continue to be safe and accessible to those in need, the group said in a statement. Transport Topics

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DHS Sets $140 Mln. in Port Security Grants

The Department of Homeland Security announced more than $140 million in new grants Tuesday under its port security grant program.

The program’s funding helps protect ports against small craft and underwater attacks and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, DHS said. It also funds measures to enhance explosive detection capabilities aboard passenger vessels and associated facilities.

The grants range from $20,750 to Savannah, Ga., to a $35 million grant for the Port of Houston. The Port of New Orleans will receive a $2 million grant.

The nation’s largest port complex, at Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif., will receive $11 million and $12 million grants, respectively, while the Port of New York/New Jersey will get a $6.6 million grant, DHS said. Transport Topics

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