FMCSA CONCERNED ABOUT TRUCKERS' USE OF GPS

An Accident Calls For Concern

Last month, a tour bus stuck on a Biloxi, Mississippi railroad crossing was hit by a train, resulting in the death of four passengers and injuries to 41 others.

Speculation as to why the bus was stranded included that the driver may have been following a GPS device not qualified for use by commercial vehicles.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has published a list of the types of features your commercial truck or bus GPS system should have whenever you are on the road.

These devices should contain information on what dangers you may face, like low underpasses or passive railroad crossings where there are no traffic control devices indicating whether it is safe to cross or not.

Other possible features should include the ability of drivers to input all relevant information about their vehicle so the system can provide an appropriate route.

If the unit you have doesn’t provide automatic updates of maps and other information, be sure that you obtain updates to ensure you are following the most current route planning information.

FMCSA also supplies a section on “Resources for Drivers” that helps cover the many rules and regulations that commercial drivers might need to know.

Owner Operator Direct provides top notch commercial trucking insurance to owner operators, whether operating with authority or as leased drivers. For a no-obligation quote, give us a ring at 800-499-1044 (Monday-Friday 9-5 pm ET) or answer some questions online and we'll email you one.