House Democrats Seek Probe of USPS Mail Truck Contract
Democrats on the oversight panel asked the agency's inspector general to investigate whether the USPS complied with the National Environmental Policy Act and other laws when awarding a 10-year contract to Oshkosh Defense to supply up to 165,000 new mail trucks.
Only 10% of the initial order will be for EVs; the remaining 90% will use traditional gasoline-powered engines.
The Postal Service decision conflicts with President Biden’s goal to convert all of the federal government’s vehicles to zero-emissions models by 2035. The Postal Service is controlled by a board of governors and does not take orders from the president.
IIHS: Left Turning SUVs More Deadly to Pedestrians
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), crash deaths involving pedestrians have risen almost every year since 2009, increasing nearly 60% through 2020, when more than 6500 deaths were recorded.
A leading cause may just be the escalating pervasiveness of bigger vehicles like SUVs, pickups, vans, and minivans. Moreover, it appears these vehicles have a greater propensity to strike pedestrians while turning.
A new study by the IIHS indicates that larger sized vehicles may not have as clear a view of crossing pedestrians as smaller cars. Additionally, previous research done by the IIHS supports the notion that larger vehicles are more deadly to pedestrians than their outsized counterparts.
Eliminating Distracted Driving in Commercial Trucking
The risks of driving with distractions increase exponentially when you factor in the size and power of a commercial truck.
Compared to personal motorists, commercial truck drivers are 23 times more likely to cause an accident when texting at the wheel, seven times more likely when reaching for their electronic devices, and six times more likely when dialing a phone. While the FMCSA has imposed strict mobile phone restrictions for commercial motor vehicle drivers, cell phone use continues to be a common risky behavior in the industry.
To help improve the safety of America’s roadways, Nationwide is teaming up with NoCell to curb distracted driving among trucking fleets.
Safety is the Word
Safety is always top of mind for fleet professionals, and it’s especially true today as our roadways are becoming less safe. FMW is committed to bringing you actionable safety content, and today we have some timely content.
In our lead video, Donlen’s Julian Carrington talks about how fleets are having to plan for the worst and hope for the best now, and how it’s critical to have a specific safety component in your Fleet Policy.
Lillian Holder from NoCell Technologies, LLC writes about how cell phone use continues to be one of the leading causes of distracted driving. Thankfully, her company has found a way to put a stop to that distraction.
We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at NAFA I&E!
Ted Roberts
President
Ford F-150 Lightning Beats Forecast — Delivers Up to 320 Miles Range
March 21, 2022 - The Ford F-150 Lightning will be offered with a choice of two battery packs. Those models equipped with the short-range pack, including the base Lightning Pro SR and Lightning Lariat SR, will still get the originally promised 230 miles per charge, according to the newly released EPA final estimates.
The long-range pack will get about 7% better than forecast initially - about 20 miles more. That includes the fleet-focused Lightning Pro ER and two retail models, the Lightning XLT ER and Lariat ER. The official EPA rating jumps to 320 miles. The top-line Lightning Platinum sees its EPA rating climb from 280 to 300 miles per charge.
