Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/764541
alcohol and drug use. Other items on NTSB's most wanted list include: Reducing trucker fatigue To address the problem of fatigue in transportation, NTSB wants "a comprehensive approach that focuses on research, education and training, technology, treatment of sleep disorders, hours-of-service regulations, and on- and off-duty scheduling policies and practices." The Board applauded the DOT's electronic logging device mandate as a step toward reducing fatigued driving. Requiring medical fitness The agency recommends a com- prehensive medical certification system for drivers that includes a driver's complete medical history; procedures to identify applicants at high risk for sleep disorders; identification of specific conditions, treatments and medications that initially disqualify applicants for duty; certificates that are good for only a limited time; examiners who are licensed to perform exams and prescribe medications and more. Eliminating distractions In order to combat distracted driv- ing, NTSB is urging all states to expand and strengthen distracted driving laws. Four states – Arizona, Texas, Montana and Missouri – don't have anti-texting laws yet, and only 14 states and the District of Columbia ban handheld devices while driving. Strengthening occupant protection More than half of the people killed on American highways last year were unrestrained, NTSB says, even though seat belts and other restraints have been required in most states for more than 20 years. To combat this problem, the Board says strong occupant restraint laws are critical. Additionally, NTSB calls for better enforcement of the laws in places, as well as education campaigns about the benefits of seat belt use. • Advertisers Index > J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 www.bigriglease.com 13 COWAN ............................................................................................ COVER, 3 DRIVER OF THE YEAR CONTEST ................................................................... 8 HIRSCHBACH ............................................................................................... 7 R.E. GARRISON ........................................................................................ 1, 9 TRANSCO LINES, INC. ..........................................................................11, IFC WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT .................................................................... 5