Feinstein calls for stronger trucking regs

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) called Wednesday for stronger regulations to prevent fatigued truck drivers from getting behind the wheel.

{mosads}A crash on a New Jersey highway last weekend that killed one and left comedian Tracy Morgan in critical condition has given new momentum to Feinstein’s push to make sure truck drivers are fully rested before their shifts. Prosecutors believe the pileup that injured Morgan was caused by a truck driver who had not slept in more than 24 hours and was slow to respond to traffic.

“This highlights why I am committed to combating truck driver fatigue,” Feinstein said in a statement.

The Senate Appropriations Committee last week voted to delay the “restart rule,” which requires truck drivers to get a certain amount of sleep over the weekend before they begin a new work week, despite Feinstein’s objections.

“I am deeply disappointed by last week’s vote on the Appropriations Committee to suspend the ‘restart rule,” Feinstein said.

“I strongly opposed the suspension of these regulations in committee and intend to continue this fight when the bill comes to the Senate floor for a vote,” she added.