ATA Pushes for ‘Jason’s Law’
Posted by Amanda Kent on Thu, Mar 18, 2010 @ 01:06 PM
On Tuesday, the American Trucking Association reaffirmed its support for legislation that would provide federal funding for commercial vehicle parking at rest areas (see related article).
Across the country, drivers of heavy trucks, commercial trucks and car haulers, along with sales people of all types, need a place to rest, make phone calls and check their email. As states move toward outlawing phone use and texting while driving, it’s more important than ever 
to have safe, designated locations where these activities—which are vital to their jobs—are possible.
I was having a conversation just the other day about over-the-road drivers being penalized for arriving early to their destinations. Safety is becoming a top priority with major logistics companies, and it only makes sense that proper rest areas are made more accessible to these drivers.
We want them to slow down, not use their phones and stay alert, so we need to make sure that they have somewhere to rest and recharge, safely, when they need to. Why make laws that restrict our nation’s truck drivers without providing safe alternatives? Jason’s Law could finally provide that alternative.
What are your thoughts? Do you support this legislation? What are your company’s rules for over-the-road drivers?
Amanda Kent is Manheim's National Heavy Truck & Equipment Manager. A fifteen year auction veteran, Amanda has been with Manheim Heavy Truck & Equipment Auctions for two years. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.