FMCSA Postpones Truck Safety Summit Over Coronavirus Concerns

Washington D.C. – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has postponed its Truck Safety Summit scheduled for later this month.

“Due to the recent travel restrictions throughout the U.S., FMCSA is postponing the Truck Safety Summit that was scheduled for March 19th, 2020,” the Agency said in a statement on Friday. “We will be following changes in the impact of COVID-19 and work to schedule a new date for the Summit in the near future.”

Earlier this month the FMCSA announced plans to host the summit at the U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters building.

The Agency said it was hosting the meeting in response to the alarming rise in trucker crash deaths and the purpose was to provide “diverse stakeholders—including motor carriers, drivers, safety technology developers and users, Federal and State partners, and safety advocacy groups—as well as members of the public, an opportunity to share their ideas on improving trucking safety.”

However, growing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus continue to mount resulting in cancellations of many public gatherings.

Already this week, organizers of trucking’s largest exhibition, the Mid-America Trucking Show, were forced to cancel the annual event over fears of the pandemic.

As for the Truck Safety Summit, the Agency says it intends to set a new date.

“We are disappointed, but the safety of the attendees is of the utmost importance. We look forward to setting a new date for the Summit,” the FMCSA said.

Transportation Nation Network will continue to monitor new developments.