Opening Statement for FMCSA Deputy Administrator
Daphne Jefferson
Plenary Session at the ITS Annual Meeting
June 2, 2015
2:00 to 3:30 pm
David L. Lawrence Convention Center

At FMCSA, we are very excited about the safety benefits that Intelligent Transportation Systems technology has provided – and promises to expand as we look down the road.

FMCSA, which oversees the long-haul trucking and interstate bus industries, is involved in several intelligent transportation initiatives designed to enhance our safety programs and ultimately reduce both the number and the severity of crashes involving large commercial vehicles:

• 1) First is our CVISN (SEE-vision) program  -- or Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks.
  • This tool helps us more effectively focus enforcement efforts toward high-risk truck and bus companies on the road. 
  • For example, law enforcement personnel can utilize this tool to identify truck and bus companies that otherwise appear to be properly registered and operating legally, but in fact, are under a federal out-of-service order and should be stopped from operating and endangering the motoring public.  
  • CVISN integrates multiple information systems to improve the accuracy, integrity and verifiability of safety information and credentialing across jurisdictions.
• 2) The Smart Roadside initiative:  This is a multi-modal partnership involving  FMCSA, the  Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
  • It is focused on the seamless sharing of data between commercial vehicles, motor carriers, enforcement resources, highway facilities, and other modes on the transportation system.
  • It’s aim is to improve motor carrier safety, security, and operational efficiency through the application of interoperable technologies.
• 3) Mobile applications – FMCSA is working to make truck and bus safety information more transparent and easily available to law enforcement and the public.
  • The SaferBus app provides the public with easy access to bus company safety information. 
  • Our message to those considering chartering a bus or motorcoach for interstate travel is to check the bus company’s safety record first or “Look Before You Book.” 

The new QC Mobile app, launched in April of this year, is a valuable tool for law enforcement, as well as insurers, brokers, and freight-forwarders, to review registration and safety information of motor carriers.  The app, which requires no log-in, immediately reveals whether the federal operating status of the carrier is authorized.

Both SaferBus and the QCMobile app are available for free on both Android and iOS devices. Just visit the Apple App Store or Google Play to download these safety information resources.