[Federal Register: July 1, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 126)] [Notices] [Page 35708-35709] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr01jy99-128] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration [FHWA Docket No. FHWA-99-5057] Fatigue Reducing Technologies AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Request for information. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with section 4021(a) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), the FHWA seeks information about technologies that may reduce commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver fatigue, while also lowering CMV emissions and reducing fuel consumption. The FHWA believes that many such technologies may exist in [[Page 35709]] various stages of development and would like to obtain more information about them. DATES: The FHWA must receive your submission of information on potential technologies on or before August 30, 1999. ADDRESSES: All information should refer to the docket number that appears in the heading of this document. Submit it to the Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. All submissions will be available for examination at the above address between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you desire notification of receipt of your submission of information, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Albert Alvarez, Office of Motor Carrier Research & Standards, HMCS-20, (202) 366-4706, or Mr. Charles Medalen, Office of Chief Counsel, HCC-20, (202) 366-1354, Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC. 20590- 0001. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access Internet users can access all comments by using the DOT's Dockets Management System (DMS) at http://dms.dot.gov. The DMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. Please follow the instructions online for more information and help. An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded using a modem and suitable communications software from the Government Printing Office's Electronic Bulletin Board Service at (202) 512-1662. Internet users may reach the Federal Register's home page at http:// www.nara.gov/fedreg and the Government Printing Office's database at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara. Background Section 4021 of TEA-21 (Pub. L. 105-178) requires the Secretary of Transportation to encourage the research, development, and demonstration of technologies that may aid in reducing commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators' fatigue. In implementing Section 4021, the Secretary must take into account the degree to which the fatigue- reducing technology: will be cost-efficient; can be used effectively under diverse climactic conditions; and will further emission reductions, conserve energy, and support other transportation goals. The FHWA has received information about a few private initiatives that appear to reduce fatigue while meeting varied climactic demands, conserving energy, and reducing emissions. However, as far as the FHWA is aware, the relative benefits and costs of these technologies (e.g., in terms of fuel consumption, definable level of emissions reductions, developmental cost, and operating cost) have not been subjected to a rigorous assessment. Moreover, other viable products may be planned or under development that the FHWA should include in any general assessment. Consequently, the FHWA is interested in obtaining as much information as possible about a variety of emerging technologies, and requests that all interested parties provide the agency with information about specific technologies that appear to satisfy the intent of section 4021. The FHWA will use the information that it collects to help it determine research priorities and funding needs. The FHWA also will use the information to determine whether Federal support of initial engineering and cost-benefit evaluations of the described technologies would be appropriate to answer questions about their performance. Analyzing performance will help determine potential benefits, as well as cost or design obstacles that might lessen acceptance. This cost- benefit analysis would be essential before the FHWA could make any further public investment in research to determine how well any specific technology mitigates fatigue. Response Requirements The FHWA asks that respondents provide the following information, at a minimum: 1. A general description of the technology itself, identifying, for example, its chemical, mechanical, and electronic components and configuration; 2. A brief description of the developmental history; 3. A summary of the technology's current or intended use(s); 4. The energy source(s) used, or to be used. In particular, whether it would, in a commercial motor vehicle environment, rely upon existing sources (e.g., on-vehicle fuel or battery power) or some additional/ external source of energy; 5. A description of its status (i.e., initial design stage, available prototype, pilot application/testing in an industry or transportation environment); 6. If appropriate, its current domestic or foreign application, either in transportation or some other industrial capacity; 7. Its potential for use and maintainability in a mobile CMV environment (assuming the technology is not now specifically designed for, or being used on CMVs); 8. Information about its public and private sector sponsor(s); and 9. The estimated cost of the technology. In addition to the specific questions listed above, commenters are encouraged to discuss any other issues they believe are relevant to the assessment of technologies described in this Notice. The FHWA requests that commenters avoid submitting proprietary or confidential information. Subsequent Evaluations Once the FHWA has completed its review of all the submissions, the agency will publish a summary report on the characteristics, status and future developmental needs of the technologies described by individual respondents to this Notice. The FHWA also will discuss in its report the agency's determination of any need for additional evaluations or tests, based on the nature and number of individual technologies described in the submissions. The FHWA hopes to devote research dollars in FY 2000 to these additional evaluations or tests, as determined appropriate, subject to the availability of funds. Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; 49 CFR 1.48; Sec. 4021(a) of Pub. L. 105-178. Issued on: June 23, 1999. Kenneth R. Wykle, Federal Highway Administrator. [FR Doc. 99-16758 Filed 6-30-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-22-P