Security & Safety Briefs — June 29 - July 5

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The Latest Headlines:

• Hazmat Bill Advances in House
• Illinois Boosts Vehicle Inspections
• Study: West Virginia’s Highways Need Work

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Hazmat Bill Advances in House

A House subcommittee approved legislation June 22 aimed at streamlining the process for truck drivers seeking to haul hazardous materials.

The bill, approved by a voice vote by the Economic, Security, Infrastructure Protection and Cybersecurity subcommittee, would require only drivers hauling highly hazardous materials to have fingerprint background checks. Currently, drivers hauling any type of hazmat must submit to the check.

After approval, the bill was sent to the full Homeland Security Committee, which has yet to schedule action. Transport Topics

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Illinois Boosts Vehicle Inspections

The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police are boosting their efforts to increase safety on the roadways during the busy summer driving season by increasing enforcement and inspection activities aimed at semitrucks and other commercial motor vehicles.

IDOT has channeled more than $500,000 to increased enforcement and inspection activities, the organization said.

Recently, IDOT reported that in 305 hours of overtime, commercial motor vehicle inspectors checked 314 trucks and took 42 out of service for safety violations. Transport Topics

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Study: West Virginia’s Highways Need Work

West Virginia’s interstates have saved lives and reduced travel costs since the first segment opened in 1962, but those benefits will be lost if the aging highway system is not repaired and expanded, a national transportation research group said late last month, the Associated Press reported.

The state’s 555-mile interstate system will need $2.7 billion for repairs and expansions over the next 20 years, said TRIP, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit group.

However, the West Virginia Department of Transportation said it has about half that amount, $1.3 billion, available through 2026, AP reported.

A study conducted by TRIP found that 7% of the state’s interstate bridges are structurally deficient and 12% are functionally obsolete, AP said. Transport Topics

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