Nashville, Tenn. — FMCSA Acting Deputy Administrator Sue Lawless addressed the Truckload Carriers Association on March 26, detailing the agency's push toward zero roadway fatalities and unveiling specific infrastructure investments to expand truck parking. Lawless highlighted federal grants directed at Florida, Missouri, and Tennessee to add parking spaces and improve information systems for drivers.

The agency released a new report under the National Roadway Safety Strategy, noting a 3.6 percent drop in traffic deaths over the previous year, though fatalities remain near 41,000. Lawless emphasized that zero is the only acceptable target and called for expanded partnerships with carriers and safety advocates to achieve that standard. The FMCSA cited technological advancements, equipment upgrades, and improved emergency response capabilities as critical tools to reduce crash severity and frequency.

Funding details revealed during the session included $180 million allocated to the Florida Department of Transportation for more than 900 new truck parking spaces and $92 million to Missouri for a project combining parking infrastructure with information technology upgrades. Tennessee received over $22 million for bridge replacement work that incorporates additional parking. Lawless also confirmed the launch of studies on driver compensation and detention time, stating that retaining drivers improves safety outcomes.

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