In response to a memorandum issued by President Trump, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has officially announced the delay of a new rule that would establish truck driver training standards in Ohio and nationwide. The rule was scheduled to take effect on Feb. 6 and was published in the Federal Register on Dec. 8, 2016.
The new rule, called Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Vehicle Operators, establishes a core classroom curriculum for individuals seeking a commercial driver’s license. In addition to classroom instruction, student drivers must also receive an unspecified amount of behind-the-wheel training. A previous draft of the rule required at least 30 hours behind the wheel, but that provision was cut from the final draft. The rule also creates a national registry of certified CDL trainers. All applicants will be required to receive instruction from a trainer in the registry.
On Jan. 20, Trump issued a memorandum ordering federal agencies to temporarily suspend all new and pending rules for 60 days, pending review of his administration. The entry-level driver rule will be implemented on March 21 if there are no further delays. The rule has a compliance date of Feb. 7, 2020, which remains unchanged.
Big rig accidents can be caused by a number of factors, including unqualified or distracted drivers, driver fatigue, speeding and poor vehicle maintenance. Individuals who are injured in a crash caused by a negligent truck driver may require the help of a lawyer to recover damages through the filing of a lawsuit naming the responsible parties as defendants.
Source: Overdrive, “Per Trump order, FMCSA delays new driver training rule“, James Jaillet, Jan. 31, 2017