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Driver fatigue and drug testing issues raised

By Jim Berard, 202-225-6260

 
The Department of Transportation’s plan to provide 100 Mexico-based trucking companies free access to U.S. highways nationwide drew serious questions today from the leadership of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Rep. James L. Oberstar (Minn.), Chairman of the Committee, and Rep. Peter A. DeFazio, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, voiced concerns over the DOT’s action.

“It is impossible to know how many hours or days a driver has been behind the wheel of a truck in Mexico, without rest, prior to crossing the border and entering our highways. Anecdotal evidence from news reports suggests that working hours for truck drivers in Mexico go far beyond anyone’s estimate of a safe, reasonable limit,” Oberstar said. “Drug and alcohol testing is another essential element. Without oversight and established controls at collection sites, compliance is very difficult to gauge.“

“Despite the recent agreement to allow U.S. truck safety inspectors into Mexico to conduct safety audits, I am dubious that Mexican trucks or their drivers will meet the same safety and environmental standards as those in the U.S.,” DeFazio said. “Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the U.S. has consistently compromised its environmental and labor standards. Now we're being asked to risk the safety of citizens on highways and in communities where these trucks will travel. You can be sure Congress will be keeping a close eye on the implementation of this pilot program.”  

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