ATA calls for snow,ice safety plans

Jan. 2, 2009
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) wants to work with the American Automobile Association and other industry partners to create comprehensive solutions to snow- and ice-related safety problems.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) wants to work with the American Automobile Association and other industry partners to create comprehensive solutions to snow- and ice-related safety problems, including the effects of their accumulation on vehicles.

A study requested by ATA and conducted by the the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) analyzed the effects of snow and ice accumulation on vehicles with the result of a multi-stage plan that calls for several initiatives. Recommendations include the education of operators of all types of vehicle, studies of the feasibility of snow removal devices at weigh stations and ports of entry, and investigating vehicle-based solutions to prevent or reduce snow and ice accumulation.

According to ATA information, in regions with significant snowfall, snow and ice can accumulate atop vehicles and can become dislodged. Snow and ice falling from motor vehicles create a variety of safety issues that can result in property damage or injury to other motorists.

Based on the findings, ATRI determined that challenges for the trucking industry include the hazards that workers face when manually clearing snow and ice from the tops of trailers, the limited availability and effectiveness of snow removal devices, and the lack of available vehicle-based solutions.

For additional information about ATRI’s findings, visit atri-online.org.

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