Truck Accident News

FMCSA To Require Special Safety Permit For Carriers Of Highly Hazardous Materials

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)  announced that trucking companies planning to haul certain highly hazardous materials must have a special safety permit, beginning Jan. 1, 2005. FMCSA said it is requiring the special permit because certain highly hazardous materials would be more dangerous in crashes or if used in terrorist attacks.

The safety permit will be required for motor carriers hauling certain types and amounts of radioactive materials, explosives, toxic inhalant materials and compressed or refrigerated liquid methane or natural gas.

The FMCSA estimated that the annual safety benefits to the U.S. economy resulting from fewer accidental releases alone of hazardous materials will be $3.7 million, which over a 10-year period will result in safety benefits totaling more than $26 million after being adjusted for inflation.

Contact our lawyer now If you have experienced personal injuries or substantial income loss as a result of a truck accident in Maryland. Our lawyers are here to give you a free case review and to fight for you in court.

	Did You Know?
	There Are Exceptions To The Hours-Of-Service Rules. Vehicles used in ground water well-drilling operations, utility service, and transporting construction materials and equipment retain the current 24-hour restart provision. However, these drivers are required to comply with the new 10-hour off-duty and 11-hour driving limitations, as well as the prohibition on driving after the 14th hour after coming on duty.