On January 20, 2017, President Trump issued a memorandum requiring the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to delay implementation of new training rules for truck drivers.
Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Vehicle Operators
The new rule, which was set to go into effect on February 6, is known as the Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Vehicle Operators rule and was published in the Federal Register on December 8, 2016.
Because the new administration has directed all federal agencies outside the military to conduct a hiring freeze, the FMCSA has decided to delay moving forward with the new rule until March 21, 2017.
However, the FMCSA may be forced to further delay putting the new driver training rule into effect pending future orders from the White House.
What the New Driver Training Rule Says
Once it goes into effect, the new truck driver training rule will require specific classroom instruction for beginner truck drivers, as well as on-the-road training. However, safety advocates have been critical of the rule, which does not require any specific amount of time for new commercial drivers to spend behind the wheel before hitting the road as a professional. Previously, proponents of set driving training times had proposed a minimum of 30 road hours before a trucker could be permitted to drive independently.
The new rule also creates a national registry of trainers certified to provide new commercial driver education and instruction, and truck drivers will only be authorized to receive training from a certified trainer.
Accident Attorney Amy Witherite explains, “The delay in the implementation of the new driver training rule doesn’t necessarily mean this rule won’t go into effect eventually. According to reports, the FMCSA is being cautious by holding off on putting the rule in place, as it has been told it can’t hire any new personnel for 60 days following the issuance of the January 20 order from the White House.”
Although the current status of many federal programs and rules is uncertain as the new administration gets settled and begins implementing new policies, safety experts and those interested in keeping our roads safe will be keeping a close eye on both new driver training for truckers and other policies that could impact the country’s motorists.
If you have been injured in a truck accident or any type of crash involving a commercial vehicle, get in touch with an Atlanta truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Media Contact:
Lucy Tiseo
Eberstein & Witherite, LLP
Phone: 800-878-2597
Email: [email protected]
www.atlanta.1800truckwreck.com
Connect with Eberstein & Witherite on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
