Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/764541
of the annual cycle for the report, NTSB says, to allow more time for changes to be made to address the issues on the list. In addition to expanding use of collision avoidance technologies and event recorders, other recom- mendations on the list target ending alcohol and drug impairment, reduc- ing distracted driving and improving seat belt use. NTSB recommends the DOT de- velop performance standards for collision avoidance systems and encourage fleets and truck drivers to install these technologies before regulations are made. At a minimum, NTSB recommends forward collision warning systems be installed in trucks. Autonomous emergency braking and lane de- parture warning systems are also technologies NTSB says will help reduce crashes. Additionally, the agency says event video recorders – both driver- and road-facing – can capture critical in- formation about the vehicle and the occupants for the seconds leading up to, during and after a crash, as well as whether the brakes were applied, the speed of the vehicle and more. Because of the benefits event record- ers can provide for investigators af- ter a crash, NTSB recommends regu- lators require their use and mandate that companies use the data in their safety management programs. The agency encourages NHTSA to develop standards and require the use of video recorders in heavy-duty vehicles and also encourages FMCSA to require all heavy-duty vehicles be equipped with video event recorders. NTSB says drug and alcohol use continues to contribute to transporta- tion fatalities. Marijuana decriminalization, syn- thetic drug use and a rise in over-the-counter drug abuse compound the problem, the Board says. NTSB recommends regu- lators pass and enforce laws to educate drivers on 12 www.bigriglease.com J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 Driver- and road-facing event recorders were among NTSB's most wanted safety improvements for 2017-2018. Big Rig Basics