Together for Safer Roads (TSR), a leading global NGO focused on building cross-sector partnerships to improve fleet trucking safety, issued the following statement from Executive Director Peter Goldwasser applauding Congressman Raskin and the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) for working together to conduct a new review of U.S. vehicle safety design standards and their effects on the safety of all road users.
“Together for Safer Roads commends Congressman Raskin for his leadership on this crucial safety issue and appreciates the GAO’s quick agreement to study and engage on the matter. With tens of thousands of trucks traveling U.S. roads daily, we must enhance truck cab design to improve driver visibility. This step is vital for boosting safety outcomes, achieving safety goals, and increasing driver comfort and satisfaction. Our organization has prioritized commercial vehicle design because we know that direct/high vision trucks significantly reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities. London, for example, saw a 75% decrease in fatal crashes and a 64% reduction in severe injury crashes since implementing a direct vision standard in 2019. With approximately 40,000 people dying on U.S. roads each year, we must address blind zones and improve driver visibility through better vehicle design to reverse this concerning trend and ensure safer roads for everyone.
“In conjunction with our diverse group of private and public sector fleet members – some of the largest and most influential fleets worldwide – TSR is currently developing a new comprehensive guide for fleet operators who are looking to introduce Direct/High Vision trucks into their fleets. TSR’s upcoming report, the TSR Direct Vision Transition Guide, includes an overview of Direct/High Vision trucks currently on the US market, case studies of operators who are currently using or exploring Direct/High Vision trucks in their fleets, and key information on the safety, risk reduction, and driver satisfaction benefits of improving driver visibility. It also provides simple, step-by-step instructions for measuring visibility via TSR’s Direct Vision 5 Star Rating System.
“We look forward to working with Congressman Raskin, GAO leadership, and others who aim to improve safety for all on US roads by addressing critical upgrades needed to improve Direct Vision in fleet trucks and other large vehicles.”