FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 3, 1998
Contact: Stan Hamilton
Tel.: (202) 366-0665
FHWA 36-98
Transportation
Secretary Slater Announces New Hotline System For Commercial Drivers to Report Safety Violations
In a continuing
effort to improve highway safety, U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney
E. Slater today announced the opening of a new line of communication
with commercial vehicle drivers to receive reports of actual or
potential violations of the federal motor carrier safety regulations.
"Safety is
President Clinton's highest transportation priority, and this
important initiative will improve safety," Secretary Slater said.
"Every valid report will be vigorously followed up and corrective
action will be ordered when necessary."
The new line,
1-888-DOT-SAFT (368-7238), is a toll-free number for drivers
nationwide to contact the Federal Highway Administration's Office of
Motor Carriers. In addition, the safety violation report form is
available on the Internet for drivers who prefer to mail or fax their complaints.
The hotline was
warmly endorsed by several organizations representing truck drivers.
They include Jim Johnston, president, Owner-Operator Independent
Drivers Association; Rita Bontz, president, Independent Truckers and
Drivers Association; and Marianne Petersen, president, Association of
Professional Truck Drivers of America (APTDA).
"We are
very pleased." Johnston said. "Too often, enforcement
efforts simply target drivers, when someone else is the cause of an
unsafe situation. The holine will help to identify those parties that
deserve government scrutiny."
Bontz said,
"This direct connection to the Office of Motor Carriers provides
a much needed service. It will be successful if truckers use it
wisely, and if government continues to be responsive to their
comments."
"Our
professional drivers work too hard for too little in a business that
is hard enough without having to tolerate increased risks from those
few who foster unsafe practices," Petersen said. "APTDA
applauds this new way for drivers to improve the safety of our
highways."
Drivers are
protected by law against being discharged, disciplined or
discriminated against regarding compensation, terms or privileges of
employment for reporting violations.
A requirement to
establish the hotline is prescribed in the recently enacted
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.
The reporting
form is on the Internet at
http://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov
.
Drivers may print and mail these reports to the Office of Motor
Carriers, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20590. Drivers also may fax reports to (202)366-7908.
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Last updated September 22, 1999
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