U.S. Department of Transportation
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, DC www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm
EDITORS AND CORRESPONDENTS:
On May 1, the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will increase the hours of its
toll-free driver hotline (
1-888-DOT-SAFT
) for reporting safety
violations. The hotline will begin operating 24 hours per day, seven days a
week, excluding Federal Holidays.
Drivers have the option of
downloading the safety violation form, completing it and submitting it via
either fax or mail. The form can be found on the agency's web page at
Drivers are assured of the
confidentiality of their identity, and the agency will investigate reliable
allegations of safety violations that have occurred within the preceding 60
days. Enforcement action will be taken, if necessary. Drivers are fully
protected by law against being discharged, disciplined, or discriminated against
regarding compensation, terms, or privileges of employment because of reporting
of violations.
The extension of the
hotline was prescribed in the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. The
expanded service provides greater access for drivers and should promote greater
use of the system.
Further information is
available from Ms. Nikki Fields at (202) 366-0831.
Sincerely yours,
Julie Anna Cirillo
Acting Deputy
Administrator
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