September 14, 1998

EDITORS AND CORRESPONDENTS

Truck and bus drivers with a history of multiple traffic convictions can sometimes go undetected by law enforcement officers, putting America's motorists at risk. To combat this problem, the Federal Highway Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have awarded $1.2 million to 9 States for fiscal year 1998 for a new Driver History pilot project.

States will use the money to design, evaluate, and upgrade automated systems for recording traffic convictions and exchanging driver safety information among courts, police, and licensing agencies. The agencies expect the pilot project to achieve more accurate, complete, and timely reporting and recording of commercial motor vehicle (CMVA) driver histories -- including suspensions and reinstatements under the commercial driver's license program.

Participating States will make changes such as eliminating inconsistencies and delays in their electronic reporting systems and modifying their conviction deferral programs, which now allow drivers to avoid sanctions for breaking traffic laws. Speedier information exchange within and among States will strengthen law enforcement efforts, provide courts and prosecutors with more reliable data, and help trucking companies use safer drivers.

The recently enacted Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century authorized the project funding for fiscal year 1998 and subsequent years. Washington, California, Montana, Texas, New York, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and New Mexico met the agencies' selection criteria and were awarded grants ranging from $28,000 to $300,000.

If your publication would like more information on this rulemaking, please call our media relations contact, Janet Kumer, at 202-366-0079.

Sincerely yours,

George L. Reagle
Associate Administrator