Tidwell, Scott

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s new Entry-Level Driver Training regulation goes into effect on February 7, 2022. The goals of this project were to (1) provide training materials and resources that will allow Clear Roads member agencies to provide entry-level commercial driver’s license training that complies with 81 FR 88732, 84 FR 8029, and 49 CFR 380; and (2) develop and document a process for member agencies to follow in order for each of their training locations to be added to the training provider registry by February 7, 2022, and to comply with all federal requirements to remain on the training provider registry. This project resulted in the development of the following ELDT materials: (1) complete curriculum to meet the instructor-led classroom and behind-the-wheel components of the ELDT rule focusing on obtaining an initial Class B CDL, upgrading from a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL, and obtaining the hazardous materials endorsement for the first time; (2) all training materials and resources necessary for states to execute the training program; (3) train-the-trainer materials to assist agencies in implementing the training program; and (4) reference guides and timeline to join the TPR.

An often-overlooked aspect of winter maintenance operations is snowplow operators’ risk of a crash. The goal of this project was to examine key causes of collisions involving snowplows, identify defensive driving strategies snowplow operators can use to prevent crashes, and develop two comprehensive and engaging snowplow operator training modules on safe and defensive driving. Questionnaires, interviews, and crash data were used to develop the two modules to provide snowplow-specific information that operators can use to prevent crashes. The first module includes strategies the snowplow operator can use to prevent crashes caused by another vehicle. The second module focuses on general safe driving practices that the operator can use to prevent crashes often caused by the snowplow operator. Winter maintenance agencies can use the modules to help snowplow operators become better defensive drivers and avoid collisions with other vehicles and objects.