Q: What is the Motor Carrier Safety Measurement System (SMS)?

A: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) SMS is an automated system that quantifies the on-road safety performance of motor carriers so that FMCSA can identify unsafe carriers, prioritize them for intervention, and monitor if a motor carrier's safety and compliance problem is improving.

The SMS is not a Safety Fitness Determination nor is it a safety rating pursuant to 49 CFR Part 385; also, it does not represent FMCSA's final determination about the safety of the carrier. Use of the SMS for purposes other than those identified above may produce unintended results and inaccurate conclusions.

FMCSA highly recommends that all motor carriers periodically review the SMS and, when necessary, initiate a Request for Data Review through DataQs, an electronic data correcting system. 

For more information please visit FMCSA.com

NEW LANE RESTRICTIONS FOR BIG TRUCKS IN TEXAS

The "Texas Dept. of Transportation is seeking comment from the public on a proposal that would prohibit trucks with three or more axles, as well as truck-tractors — whether or not they are hauling trailers — from using the left lane of Interstate 35 through much of McLennan County, according to Fleet Owner.

With this proposal, it could potentially make the roads a little safer. However, restricting trucks to the right and middle lanes could create a “barrier” when passenger vehicles are attempting to enter or exit the highway. Do you think that this will improve the safety of our roads?

Read the entire story at Fleetowner.com