FMCSA Safety and Security Accomplishments

Office of Research and Analysis
Washington, DC
January 22, 2006

Technology Division Highlights

Jeff Secrist
Chief, Technology Division

Driver Related Projects

• Employer Notification Service
  • Burden to discover driver history is on motor carriers
  • Design and prototype national ENS System
  • Pilot test in California and Colorado (July 2007)
• Commercial Drivers' License 3rd Party Testing Anti-Fraud
  • Goal - reduce possession of fraudulent CDL
  • Develop IT-based strategies to monitor testing
  • Pilot test software (Summer 2006); report (Fall 2006)

Vehicle Related Projects

• Untethered Trailer Tracking System
  • Improve motor carrier productivity and enhance the security of trailers
  • Tested an untethered trailer tracking and control system that provided trailer identification, location, and unscheduled movement notification with door and cargo status alerts
  • Project completed (October 2005)
• Expanded Satellite-Based Mobile Communications
  • Monitor hazardous materials and high-value cargo
  • Test a wireless satellite-based communications tracking system
  • Complete pilot test (January 2006); final report this summer

Vehicle Related Projects (cont.)

• Enhanced Rear Signaling
  • Rear-end crashes are one of the most frequent accident configurations in heavy vehicles
  • Countermeasures will be evaluated by installing them on a test truck and observing driver behavior
  • Final report (September 2006)

Technology Demonstration Projects

• SmartPark
  • Identify technology to convey real-time parking information
  • Demonstrate a financial approach for system operation
  • Phase I complete; Phase II award (Spring 2006)
• Real-world Test Bed to Evaluate New Safety Technologies
  • Inspection Selection System with Driver data (completed)
  • Performance-Based Brake Testers (Summer 2006)
  • Hazardous Materials Truck Disabling Technology
  • Partners

Technology Demonstration Projects (cont.)

• Motor Carrier Efficiency Study (Section 5503)
  • Evaluate how wireless technology can improve safety and efficiency of motor carrier freight transportation
  • Four-year effort, $1.25M/yr
    • Freight Study
    • Field operational tests
    • Independent evaluation
    • Program Elements
  • Industry day capabilities meeting - February 9, 2006

Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks

• SAFETEA-LU provides FMCSA $25 million for FY 2006 - FY 2009
• Deploy "Core" capabilities nationwide
  • States must have accepted CVISN Program Plan
  • Receive no more than $2.5 million
• Define, develop, and implement "Expanded" capabilities
  • Certified by FMCSA as completing Core deployment
  • Receive no more than $1 million

Status of States in CVISN Deployment

Future Projects

• Advance FMCSA's safety mission
• Adopt, test, and deploy technologies and best practices
• Focus on driver, commercial vehicle, and motor carrier operations
• Contribute to a safe and secure commercial transportation system