U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood spoke last week to the American Trucking Associations' Board of Directors, focusing largely on safety issues, but also touching on the economy and infrastructure funding.

"Government and your industry have solved great challenges in the past by working together," he said. "I can think of no better example than in the area of commercial vehicle safety improvement. We have reason to be encouraged that commercial transportation is becoming safer. In each of the past three years, our nation has achieved significant decreases in the number of large truck-related fatalities. During the same time, we also have seen significant increases in the use of safety belts by truck operators. ... This is good progress, but there is still much more to do. Over 4,800 people die in truck crashes each year. We have to continue to work together to increase safety and save lives."

However, he notes, improvements in safety "has to be done at the same time we are working to improve transportation efficiencies. This is vital to energizing our economy."

One of the keys to improving safety, he said, is new "smart" technologies, noting that President Obama has said our future progress is dependent upon creating and deploying new technologies. "The Department has done considerable work with truck manufacturers to test technologies such as forward and side collision warning systems, lane departure systems, and electronic stability," he said. "The goal of all these systems is to save lives by preventing and minimizing the severity of crashes involving commercial trucks.

"I know some of you have already adopted these technologies. For those considering it, I urge you to talk to your counterparts. I know that in these economic times making additional investments can be difficult, but all the data we have say it will pay off in the long run."

He offered a status update on trucking safety regulations that were in progress in the waning days of the Bush administration. The Medical Certification Rule that combines the medical certificate and the CDL went into effect Jan. 30 as scheduled. The New Entrant Rule went into effect Feb. 17. The Intermodal Chassis Rule is moving forward as scheduled and will become effective June 17.

However, the Electronic On-Board Recorder Rule, he said, is still under review. "We want to make sure it is the best rule we can possibly put out."

Another rule proposal that's under way is the establishment of a national drug and alcohol testing database, LaHood said. "There is no room on our highways for CDL drivers who don't comply with the drug and alcohol testing laws." This regulation would close a loophole that allows drivers to simply switch employers following a positive test. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is anticipating a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking later this year, he said, and the topic will also be included in the upcoming highway reauthorization discussion.

He also touched on infrastructure funding and the upcoming reauthorization of the highway bill. "Tolling and privatization may be part of the solution - but I support this mainly for new construction," he said. "Fuel taxes may also be part of the mix - but we need to examine all options and develop a comprehensive, workable plan."

LaHood told the ATA gathering that "the trucking industry is critical to the health of our national economy. There is no question that trucks move a vast majority of all the country's goods. The vitality of your industry is an indicator of our economic horsepower."