Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association
1 NW OOIDA Drive, Grain Valley, MO 64029
Web Site: www.www.ooida.com
Facebook: OOIDA Facebook
Contact: Norita Taylor, norita_taylor@ooida.com
Headquarters: (816) 229-5791
For Immediate Release
OOIDA: We had it right back then and we still do today!
Recommendations for highway safety made 25 years ago still make the most sense now
“Should we say it louder this time?” That is the general sentiment expressed by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association as they prepare for the FMCSA Trucking Safety Summit.
OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh will be a panelist during the first session of the day and plans to re-emphasize common sense recommendations that truck drivers have shared many times before.
“I started trucking in 1994 and so many issues have gotten worse since then,” said Pugh. “I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. We have solutions, but solutions require action – action from regulators, action from lawmakers, and others in the supply chain.”
Despite these frustrations, OOIDA is optimistic that the Summit is a real opportunity to talk about the changes needed to make trucking a more equitable, attractive, life-long career.
OOIDA recommends more focus on reforms like broker transparency, compensating drivers for all time worked and meaningful entry-level driver training standards. OOIDA has long advocated that regulations be based upon real-world experience of drivers, sound science, credible data, and that they result in measureable, positive impacts. OOIDA also continues to focus on the critical shortage of parking that is not only a safety issue for drivers, but for the rest of the motoring public.
“Virtually every topic has been discussed before, going back several decades in some cases,” said Pugh. “History demonstrates these issues aren’t going to magically disappear and I sure as hell don’t want to be having this same conversation 25 years from now!”
OOIDA also will weigh in on hours-of-service rules which are scheduled to take effect at the end of September. The Association says the final rulemaking will provide some level of flexibility and relief and should be implemented without delay.
“We supported the Agency’s approach which included input from thousands of men and women who drive truck. We eagerly anticipate these changes going into effect, though we’re still going to seek more reforms,” added Pugh.
MORE ABOUT THE SUMMIT
The purpose of the summit will be to gather feedback from trucking industry representatives on improving highway safety. The virtual meeting will include stakeholders from motor carriers, drivers, safety technology developers and users, federal and state partners and safety advocacy groups.
Those interested in viewing any of the eight sessions, which take place 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT on August 5, can go to this link for information on registering. Each session requires a separate registration.
Viewers from the public have an opportunity to speak or provide written comments. This link has a submission form for the comment forum during the live sessions. Longer written comments with data or analysis on safety can be submitted here.