Symposium Tackles Trucking Safety

October 12, 1999 9:24 AM, EDT

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The second International Large Truck Safety Symposium brought together more than 150 motor carriers, federal officials, academics, equipment manufacturers, insurers and safety advocates to tackle what remains the most stubborn problem facing the industry: how to make it safer.

The symposium was held by the University of Tennessee’s Transportation Center and co-sponsored by a number of transportation research centers and the Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Motor Carrier and Highway Safety.

Top billing on the first day, Oct. 6, went to the Department of Transportation’s ambitious goal of reducing truck-related fatalities by 50% over the next 10 years as part of its safety action plan, which was announced during the summer. Of the five speakers on the general session devoted to this topic, the first two were skeptical that DOT could deliver on its promise.

Mike Dalton, vice president of Great West Services, one of trucking’s major insurers, said it was not possible to achieve the goal because FHWA does not regulate those who are at fault in most fatal truck crashes: automobile drivers.

For the full story, see the Oct. 11 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.