August 22, 2003 10:00 AM, EDT

Transportation Secretary Mineta Praises Truck Drivers

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(TT File Photo)
Norman MinetaTransportation Secretary Norman Mineta praised America's truck drivers for their continuing efforts to improve safety on the nation's highways.

"Trucking is an essential component of our American economy, and we greatly appreciate the attention to safety and professionalism of the 10 million drivers working in the industry," Mineta said in a release.

Mineta’s comments come just before the start of the 2003 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

He noted that according to government figures, fatalities from truck-involved crashes decreased in 2002 for the fifth straight year.

The number of fatalities from truck-involved crashes declined 4.2% to 4,897 in 2002, from 5,111 the previous year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. (Click here for related coverage.)

The release also said that Annette Sandberg, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, would celebrate the achievements of truck drivers at the ongoing 2003 American Trucking Associations' National Truck Driving Championships, and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Inspectors' Championship Banquet in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday.

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